829C1AC99D0C4B4887258A1A006E8D34 Hearing Summary

PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For CENTER FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

INTERIM COMMITTEE WILDFIRE MATTERS REVIEW COMMITTEE
Date Aug 29, 2023
Location LSB A

Center for People with Disabilities - Committee Discussion Only


	02:10:43 PM	Craig Towler, Community Organizer, Center for People with Disabilities (CPWD), gave a presentation on the CPWD's core services and programs. He also discussed the barriers and inequities people with disabilities face at times of emergencies, including the need for interpreters and easy-to-read text. Their presentation can be found here: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/cpwd_wildfire_matters_review_committee_meeting_august_29th_-_final.pdf
	02:15:54 PM	Mr. Towler explained that emergency and health information is often distributed via email and text, which is an issue in the disability community due to a lack of tech literacy.
	02:20:51 PM	Mr. Towler discussed the importance of easy-to-read emergency materials, which would include clear visuals and plain language.
	02:26:32 PM	Mr. Towler discussed the need for community networks to help members of the disability during evacuations, such as providing them transportation if they do not drive. He explained how the CPWD uses community conversation cards to facilitate the formation of community networks.
	02:31:24 PM	Mr. Towler responded to questions from the committee on the first steps to making the evacuation process more accessible for the disability community.