Disability Rights Pennsylvania Releases Fact Sheets on the Legal Rights of Persons with Disabilities During an Emergency

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 8, 2023

Contact:  Peri Jude Radecic, Chief Executive Officer

Disability Rights Pennsylvania

301 Chestnut Street, Suite 300

Harrisburg, PA 17101

Disability Rights Pennsylvania Releases Fact Sheets on the Legal Rights of Persons with Disabilities During an Emergency

Harrisburg, PA – People with disabilities often face barriers in evacuations and in accessing emergency preparedness services during an emergency.  Today, Disability Rights Pennsylvania (DRP) released four fact sheets on the legal rights of persons with disabilities during an emergency.  The fact sheets entitled ‘Rights of People with Disabilities in an Emergency’ include four resources to inform our community on evacuation plans, healthcare and social services, effective communication, shelter and temporary housing in an emergency.

“These fact sheets come at a critical time when our state has just experienced a train derailment, creating an emergency in western Pennsylvania”, said Peri Jude Radecic, Chief Executive Officer of DRP.  “A disaster can happen at any time in our state, and it is important for people with disabilities to understand their rights when accessing critical services.”

A copy of the fact sheets can be found here: Resources for Advocating for Disability Rights (disabilityrightspa.org)

These fact sheets were made possible by a grant from the Pennsylvania Disability Advocacy Fund, a fund of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities.

Disability Rights Pennsylvania is the statewide protection and advocacy agency for Pennsylvanians with disabilities.  DRP protects and advocates for the rights of people with disabilities so they may live the lives they choose, free from abuse, neglect, discrimination, and segregation.  www.disabilityrightspa.org