ACCESSIBLE HAZARD ALERT SYSTEM

BROADCASTERS Deaf Link's Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS) was developed for the Homeland Security and Emergency Management departments on a city, state and national level. AHAS addresses the Executive Order signed by President Bush in 2004 active link, requiring inclusion of persons with disabilities into emergency preparedness. The Federal Communication Commission requires all broadcasters and cable operators to make all emergency broadcasts accessible to people with disabilities. AHAS is the only service designed to address "effective" communication for all persons who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Blind and Deaf Blind. In minutes after receiving authorized emergency information, Deaf Link produces an "air ready" alert for broadcast by cable or television stations in sign language, voice and text. Deaf Link helps ensure the safety and security of people with disabilities that effect how they rely or receive information during times of crisis. AHAS was battle tested during Hurricane Rita, and is now offered in Texas under contract with the Governor's Division of Emergency Management. In addition AHAS was piloted in AL, MS, and LA. Please click on the links below to view a short video on the services Deaf Link is providing for the Governor's Division of Emergency Management.

http://deaflink.com/demo/web/ahasvideo.wmv

Offered in ASL, Voice and Text format: http://www.deaflink.com/demo/web/ahas/ahasts.wmv

We at Deaf Link applaud the national precedent set by Texas to remove the communication barriers between emergency information and people with disabilities. Following an Executive Order signed by President Bush active link, Texas and Deaf Link are actively working to ensure that all people with disabilities remain safe during critical situations. Without this service, this significant segment of our population might easily become casualties during an emergency.