All schools in Arizona must have an emergency response plan in place to account for a wide variety of situations, from natural disasters to active shooters. Such plans must also address how the school and emergency responders will communicate with and provide assistance to students with disabilities. A.R.S. § 15-341(A)(31).
In some cases, however, it is also helpful to have an individualized emergency plan in place for your child, which can be included with their IEP or 504 Plan. The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) has created templates for Individual Emergency Safety Plans.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when developing an individualized safety plan for your child:
- Identify your child’s strengths, as well as their medical, communication, and sensory needs.
- Include strategies to help your child remain calm and adapt to sudden changes.
- Ensure the evacuation route does not pose any physical barriers to your child.
- Implement a buddy system; partner your child with an adult who can assist them during an emergency.
- Keep emergency information up-to-date and ensure it is communicated to relevant staff.
- Practice inclusive emergency drills to ensure your child’s familiarity with the plan.
Additional Resources
- Emergency Guidelines for Schools | ADE & Arizona Department of Health Services
- Integrating K-12 Students with Disabilities Into School Emergency Management Planning | Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center
- No One Left Behind: School Emergency Planning & Students Who Have Disabilities | Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council