Project Challenge
The Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) receive little attention in emergency management research. This CIVIC Innovation research is focused on identifying specific emergency service gaps, communication, and workforce needs for the DHH using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The project directly addresses incorporating special needs populations into emergency management practice.
CIVIC-PG Track B: Bridging the Gap between Essential Emergency Resources and Services and �the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community in Monroe County NY: A Geospatial-Visual Approach
Monroe County, NY�Rochester, NY
NSF Award ID: 2228522
PI: Brian Tomaszewski, Ph.D., Rochester Institute of Technology
2022 Civic Innovation Challenge
Civic Partners:
- Monroe County Office of Emergency Management
- Rochester Recreation Club for the Deaf
Research Partners:
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Research Questions�
- What are the spatial relationships between the DHH community and hazards that may reveal specific gaps in emergency services for the DHH?
- What are the messaging and communication needs of the DHH community during all phases of the emergency management cycle?
- What pedagogical practice is needed for education and workforce development of emergency management practitioners on the needs of the DHH community during all phases of the emergency management cycle?
Pilot Vision�
- Nationally transform emergency management for the DHH through the incorporation of relevant DHH community groups, deaf academic researchers, and local, state, and national public safety organizations.
- Create the nation's first deaf community hazard mapping geospatial toolkit.
- Create the nation's first Deaf Community Emergency Response Team (D-CERT).
- Create communication and education modules for emergency management professionals to understand DHH culture