Around the country we are watching the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey. We would like to extend our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all our clients, members of our Rethink community, and all those in Texas and Louisiana who have been affected by the storm. As a Company we will be making a donation to the American Red Cross to assist those who have been impacted. We will also be releasing support materials around emergency preparedness for children with disabilities.
With Rethink’s mission of supporting children with developmental disabilities we are acutely aware of the unique needs of vulnerable populations during disasters. Emergency preparedness takes on an extra layer for families that have members with disabilities and for schools that support children with disabilities.
There are resources to assist in emergency planning. The Center for Children with Special Health Care Needs has guidelines that we should all be following. The Red Cross is often a first responder to emergencies and they too have resources for Special Needs Emergency Preparedness and in some locations specific support for children with developmental disabilities.
We commend the first responders in these communities and will work with the greater disability community to ensure preparedness for children with disabilities. If you’re interested in supporting disaster relief efforts, consider the Red Cross or Save the Children, both of which have established specific Hurricane Harvey relief funds.
