Our hearts go out to all those affected by the wildfires near Los Angeles, CA. We are in touch with our START teams in these areas and we are providing support and resources as needs arise. As part of the START network, we are fortunate to have one another to rely on in times of need. We are committed to meeting the needs of the people, families, and communities impacted by this devastation, and helping ensure people with IDD-MH get the support needed to avoid crisis and further trauma. Thank you all for being part of this wonderful group of people. As a network, we can help these communities through this disaster.
Please feel free to view, print, and share the following resources to help people with IDD-MH (intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health needs) during natural disasters and other emergencies. If you would like to offer assistance, please email start.iod@unh.edu.
NCSS Resources
Setting Up a Shelter Facility for Success
Supporting People with IDD During Emergencies
CA START Lanterman Resources
Our California START Lanterman team would like to share the following resources!
Coping After a National Crisis or Mass Trauma
Partner Resources
A-TIPTM (Acute Traumatic Incident Processing)
A-TIPTM is a protocol using eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (BLS) that may be used by para-professionals to immediately desensitize acute stress in crisis situations. A-TIPTM may be used in disasters, accidents, assaults, school behavior, and peer support. We recommend that A-TIPTM is used once the person has reached a place of safety and immediate needs have been met. A-TIPTM is a form of EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. For more information and more free downloadable materials, visit emdrconsulting.com.
Further Links
Red Cross Preparedness Essentials Checklist
Autism Society Inland Empire Safety on the Spectrum Communication Toolkit
National Autism Association Personal Emergency Profile Sheet
National Institute of Mental Health Helping Children and Adolescents Cope With Traumatic Events
