Letter to The Editor
Dear Council on Developmental Disabilities,
As a person with a disability who wants to give back to my community, I’ve noticed that emergency preparedness and response programs rarely seem to include people like me in volunteer roles. I know many others who feel the same way — eager to help, but unsure where we fit or whether our contributions are truly welcomed. How can people with disabilities become more involved in emergency preparedness and response efforts?
— Tennessee Volunteer-in-Waiting
Dear Tennessee Volunteer,
You are spot on! When emergencies happen, inclusive planning can save lives — but inclusion only works when people with disabilities are meaningfully involved.
People with disabilities have lived experience, skills, and perspectives that can make our communities stronger and more prepared before, during, and after an emergency. We'll share a few key places to engage below. Thank you for being willing to get involved!
- TN Council on Developmental Disabilities
Ways to Get Involved in Emergency Planning in Your Community
Emergency Management Agencies
Local Emergency Management offices, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), and Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs) often welcome volunteers of all abilities. Roles can include planning support, accessibility reviews, community outreach, training participation, administrative help, or virtual roles that can be done from home.
Tennesseans can find their local Emergency Management Agency by county on the TEMA website.
The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is often one of the first organizations to respond to large-scale disasters. The Red Cross offers trainings and volunteer opportunities for people of all abilities on its website.
Medical Reserve Corps
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of more than 200,000 volunteers who support community health and emergency response. Tennessee has 13 MRC units with about 17,000 medical and non-medical volunteers. Members help with public health activities, disaster response, and recovery efforts. Roles range from giving medications and immunizations to helping survivors complete forms or directing them to services. Volunteers may respond to natural disasters or support vaccination and medication distribution sites. All MRC volunteers receive training in local emergency plans, Incident Command, mental health preparedness, and emergency drills.
You can learn more about becoming a Medical Reserve Corps volunteer by visiting their website.
Independent Living Centers
Tennessee's Independent Living Centers lead major efforts related to emergency response throughout the year, including ways to learn, train, and volunteer.
You can find the closest center to you by visiting the State Independent Living Council's website.