Special Needs Advisory Panel (SNAP)
MISSION: To assure that special needs issues are incorporated into emergency planning at all levels and to provide guidance in reviewing critical special needs planning concerns and issues.
PARTNERSHIP: Logan County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and Logan County Health Department (LCHD)
BACKGROUND: The Logan County SNAP convened its first meeting on Tuesday, November 29, 2005. Agenda items included the special needs definition, overview of county plans, SNAP Registry, agency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), utilizing the 911 system, and next steps. MOUs between Logan County EMA and LCHD and panel members were developed to recognize the agencies as a special needs registering agency. Each agency maintains a list of people with special needs that they service. The Disability Information Sheet, a form developed by SNAP to be completed for or by special needs persons to identify their special need, enables a special need indicator to be placed in the 911 system. In the event of an emergency, 911 dispatch can inform the first responders of the special need of a person.
PANEL AGREEMENT AGENCIES: Lincoln College, Lawrence Place, Logan County Housing Authority (LCHA), Senior Services of Central Illinois, and Logan County Paramedic Association (LCPA)
PANEL MEMBERSHIP: Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois, Healthy Communities Partnership, Parish Nurse Task Force, Senior Issues Task Force, Logan-Mason Mental Health, Illinois Department of Human Services, American Red Cross, Senior Citizens of Logan County Inc. (Oasis), Lincoln Police Department, Logan County Sheriff's Department, Lincoln Fire Department, St. Clara's Manor, Central Illinois Economic Development Corporation, Logan County Board, SCIL, The Christian Village, Vonderlieth Living Center, Friendship Manor, Maple Ridge Care Centre, Lawrence Place, Lincoln Terrace, Senior Services, Lincoln Christian College and Seminary, Lincoln College, LCHA, LCPA, LC EMA, and LCHD.
SPECIAL NEEDS DEFINITION: People with Special Needs are individuals who have a physical, cognitive, and/or sensory disability, and/or medical care needs who, after exhausting all other resources (family, neighbors, public transportation, etc.) still need assistance before, during, and possibly after a disaster or emergency.
STEPS: Do you have a special need or know of a family member, neighbor, or friend who has a special need? The Disability Information Sheet must be completed and returned to Logan County 911 Dispatch for a special needs indicator to be placed in the 911 system. Below is a link to a special needs registry information form, which provides education for the special needs registry and indicator, and the Disability Information Sheet.