Evacuation Planning for Children With Special Needs

Children with special needs often learn differently than others. This is because they progress at different rates and have unique ways of learning. Teachers take this into account by providing them with individualized education programs, or IEPs. These programs may include academic and behavioral goals. Scaffolding practices are also used. These help students by guiding them through their learning in small steps. This enables them to succeed and gain confidence.

Having access to the proper medical professional is a huge part of living with a child with special needs. The right doctor must be non-threatening and understand the specific challenges that arise when caring for a child with special needs. Ideally, you will choose a doctor that is close to home and has experience expediting insurance procedures or advocating for patients. Also consider the size of the practice. A larger practice can offer more support if needed.

Empowering SEN Students: Fostering Independence and Confidence

The definition of special needs varies from community to community and is constantly changing. The term is used in different ways by the disability, disaster services and emergency management communities. Ultimately, jurisdictions and planning groups know their communities best and can define what constitutes special needs as appropriate to the community.

As a general rule, people with disabilities make up 25 to 30 percent of those impacted by hurricanes and other large disasters. The need for improved systems of care and better understanding of the unique challenges in evacuation planning for this population is clear.