ASL Emergency Preparedness DVD

More than 80% of Americans are not prepared for emergencies and disasters. Imagine the impact on individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing who cannot hear the sirens, calls from rescue workers trying to locate people in rubble, knocks on doors to give urgent information, or receive emergency alert phone calls to give a heads-up about a developing situation via radio and public address systems?

In March 2013, SWM recognized the lack of information and resources related to emergency and disaster preparedness for individuals in need of special assistance or other access or functional needs before, during and after a disaster. According the to the U.S. Census of 2000, there are approximately six million Californians over the age of five who identify as having a disability. According to the same Census there are approximately 3 million who are deaf and approximately 300,000 in the Greater Los Angeles area.

SWM is taking action.  With funding endorsement from the Los Angeles County and collaborative supporters (PAC RED, GLAD and TRN.tv), SWM produced the first four of nine  videos for the ASL Emergency Preparedness (ASLEP) project.  We are raising funds to market and distribute this product to raise funds to finish the additonal two dvd series. We urge your support to join us in this movement to educate, bring awareness and save lives.

“I remember an earthquake one night as a child, the whole house shook really hard and the ground was shaking. The fear I had as a child was great as I crawled under my bed. I remember seeing feet standing in the doorway. I dared not move. I closed my eyes tight and covered my ears. I could not hear my sister calling my name at the top of her lungs to tell me to come with her to safety.  Because of our inability to hear, it is necessary for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community to become AWARE of what to do and where to go in case of an emergency. We need to know step by step what we can do to save our lives as well. This will give us opportunity to think about these things prior to a disaster happening because we take for granted that we might have accessibility.  ” -Vic’Toria Crockett

SWM goal is to make this very important safety product available to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community at no charge. YES, SWM wants to get the product in the hands of every deaf and hard of hearing member of society for FREE!! We need your help to solicit sponsors. SWM seeks sponsors to donate 10 or more units. In turn, SWM will take the ownership to distribute the product FREE to members of the DHH community via on-line order, direct mail, and give-aways at deaf schools, community events and screenings. Will you join us in this movement to spread awareness of this safety message and save lives? For more information, please contact us!