ARTICLE SPOTLIGHT
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Possibilities Supports Solomon’s Porch Light
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Possibilities is an Online Auction Store located in Humble, Texas. We strive in providing you a hassle free online solution that allows you to get cash for your unwanted new or used items. All proceeds are donated to the Non-Profit organization Solomon’s Porch Light
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Guest Article by Crystal Goodwin
TCDD Public Health & Disability Integration Specialist
In Texas, June 1 marked the beginning of the hurricane season, which continues until Nov. 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts there will be 17-25 named hurricanes this year, including four to seven that are rated Category 3 or higher. Texas will see a 54% chance of a hurricane this year, and a 25% chance for a hurricane rated Category 3 or higher, according to NOAA.
A named hurricane maintains wind speeds of at least 39 miles per hour. Category 3 hurricanes maintain wind speeds of at least 111 miles per hour. Weather experts consider hurricanes rated Category 3 and higher to be major storms.
Personal preparedness is the first line of defense for both hurricane season and other disasters that might occur across the state. Always make sure to follow basic preparedness guidelines such as keeping extra food, water, and medication. You can find more information on the Texas Ready Disaster Supply Checklist.
People with disabilities often need to take extra steps to prepare for a disaster. To help, here are five things to consider during hurricane season and for other disaster preparedness.
Understand Your Rights
Know that even during evacuation and disaster sheltering, you still have the right to disability accommodations. You can ask for reasonable modifications to any policy or practice. If the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) fails to accommodate your disability, you can contact FEMA’s Office of Equal Rights at 1-202-212-3535 or visit the FEMA website.
Sign Up for Local Emergency Alerts
You can often find where to sign up on your county’s website. You can also sign up for alternatively formatted emergency alerts that are accessible to you and your family.
Find Your Local Assistance Program
Before a disaster strikes, check with local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and people in your community to find out about assistance programs. Many areas have their own disaster assistance programs that might be able to provide help faster than federal programs, which might have longer wait times.
Customize Your Emergency Kit
Consider adding additional items to your emergency kit in case of evacuation. Think about adding things such as noise-canceling headphones, sensory items, comfort snacks, or communication cards.
Prepare Power-Dependent Equipment
If you have power-dependent medical equipment, talk with your health care provider about ways to keep your equipment running without power. You might also want to ask your power provider if you can be placed on a power priority list for power restoration. Find more information from the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities.
To learn more about emergency preparedness and find tools to create your own crisis-response plan, check out our Emergency Preparedness resources.
Entrepreneur Spotlighting : Brian Dodd
Brian Dodd is an autistic adult who has always loved drawing creatures of his imagination. Brian was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, autism, in October 1992. He attended pre-school at the Westview School and was ultimately mainstreamed into HISD. Brian graduated Lamar High School in 2008. Encouraged by his friends, Jay and Sherry Chatfield, who owned the Copper Cactus in Ingram, Texas, Brian began to put the ideas from years of his drawings of the creatures of his imagination on canvas in 2009. His works are primarily acrylic on canvas where he shares his sense of humor in the names he gives to his creations. His first painting sold to an admirer in June 2009. He has sold several paintings since his first sale. On February 18 2010, doddmangallery.com went live. The “gallery” is named Doddman, after a nickname given to him by his art teacher, Ms. Bass, and others at Pin Oak Middle School in Houston. Brian has an online gallery with other artists at VSA Arts of Texas.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS
Texas Parent to Parent (TxP2P) is committed to improving the lives of Texas children and adults with disabilities, chronic and mental health conditions and other health care needs. TxP2P empowers families to be strong advocates through parent-to-parent support, resource referral, and education
Partners Resource Network (PRN) is a non-profit agency that operates the Texas statewide network of Parent Training and Information (PTIs) Centers serving parents of children and youth with disabilities ages of 0-26 as well as youth self-advocates ages 14-26. PTIs are funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
Family to Family strives to provide programs that empower families of children & youth with disabilities as they navigate the complex special education, health care and disabilities services systems.
Family to Family Network helps individuals with disabilities and their family members define and achieve success for themselves and their loved ones. Through guidance and training of parents and young adults, we transform lives by helping them discover possibilities, see the potential and advocate for what they need to achieve their dreams. Our organization helps families to see potential where others see barriers. By changing attitudes and mindsets about disabilities, our organization changes lives to make sure every individual gets to live THEIR best life.
To promote wellness, enriching the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
1) Providing community outreach, education, and awareness on behalf of the disability community to families, schools, businesses, adult services organizations, and other community organizations;
2) Participating in national, state, and local legislative and systems advocacy to ensure that children with disabilities have access to a free, appropriate education in the least restrictive environment; and that adults with disabilities have access to community-based, integrated employment and supports;
3) Supporting the structure and cohesion of families who have members with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and
4) Providing life-enhancing integrated activities and experiences for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
To view other helpful organizations and ministries please visit our directory!
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Humble, Texas 77338
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Jesusa Palacios
281-541-6201
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