American Red Cross and Persons with Disabilities

Several years ago, I began to lose my hearing. Scared about the effects this changed had on my lifestyle, I became a virtual hermit. I loved disaster response and canine assist search and rescue. However, the ability to hear was vital, in my opinion, to both activities.

Within months, the isolation got to me. I gathered my courage and approached my local Red Cross office. I asked to resume my instructor and instructor trainer activities within their health and safety line of service. Our director already knew about my other disabilities (a spinal condition) and was happy to help me adjust to my decreasing ability to hear while teaching CPR. 

My situation was not unique. The American Red Cross has a long tradition of serving persons with disabilities. There is an equally proud history of individuals with disabilities serving within the ranks of the Red Cross as both volunteers and paid staff.

Persons with disabilities have served as Gray Ladies, receptionists, typists, and telephone operators. Personally, I have volunteered as my chapter’s Emergency Operations Center liaison, a community partnership liaison, shelter workers, logistics specialist, and a disaster action team leader within the disaster services area. For health and safety, I have been an instructor and instructor trainer for multiple courses and the my center’s health and safety program manager. I have done all of these tasks while accompanied by my service animal, Bug-A-Boo, or her predecessor, Paksenarrion.

The Red Cross offers several services to the disability community in association with partner organizations. These organizations include Meals on Wheels and Lifeline. They conduct programs and training at adult day care centers, nursing homes, and supervised care facilities.