United Spinal Association Develops 'Fire Safety for Wheelchair Users at Work and at Home': Online Training Program for People with Disabilities

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Apr 05, 2010, 06:00 ET

NEW YORK, April 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association has developed a free online training program designed to save the lives of individuals with disabilities and mobility impairments during fire emergencies.

United Spinal Association developed the fire safety training program that can be downloaded and shared with others with two practical goals in mind:

To review the features of building code life/fire safety requirements for newly constructed buildings and facilities that affect people with mobility impairments.
To review evacuation protocols from the workplace and home for wheelchair users and people with disabilities.

"When utilizing this fire safety training program, you are taking a significant step to ensure that people with disabilities and all stakeholders are aware of the important features found in buildings designed and built in conformance with widely adopted codes and standards developed to protect people with disabilities in the event of an emergency," said Kleo King, senior vice president of Accessibility Services at United Spinal Association.

The training program created with funding assistance from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation is available for download in both English and Spanish at http://www.accessibility-services.com/fire-safety-for-wheelchair-users/.

It focuses on the unique aspects of fire safety for people with disabilities, what to do in case a fire occurs and reviews life safety requirements (i.e., areas of refuge, wide exit stairs, means of egress elevators and exterior areas of assisted rescue) found in the International Building Code.

The training program is a valuable resource to people with disabilities, fire safety and building code officials, emergency plan coordinators, building owners and supervisors, employers and fire marshals.

Also included are tips on fire prevention and contact information for several organizations that may be of assistance on this topic.

For more information, please visit www.unitedspinal.org or call 1.800.404.2898 #7504 to request hard copies of the training materials for your organization.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post polio. It has played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with spinal cord disorders.

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Kleo J. King

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SOURCE United Spinal Association