Wireless Inclusive Rehabilitation Research Engineering Center (Wireless RERC)
FirstNet – First Responder Network Project
In the wake of an emergency, first responders need relevant, up-to-date information about the nature of the emergency and response efforts. The First Responders team works with FirstNet (https://firstnet.gov) to provide these resources in a uniform manner throughout the country. FirstNet recognizes that first-responders need information about nearby individuals in need of assistance and is expanding their system to accomplish this. FirstNet wants to include the needs of individuals with disabilities and first responders in this effort. For example, the system may provide an information stream notifying first responders that there is an individual with a mobility disability in the building who will need special egress assistance prior to their encountering the individual, or that an individual who relies on ASL is nearby so that an interpreter or remote interpreter service can be provided.
FirstNet is in the process of considering user-interface design and development, including understanding what the experiences of first responders are like when they interact with individuals who have disabilities (sensory or mobility impairments). This will eliminate the need for ‘retrofitting’ the system once it has been established.
To better understand the conditions that first responders must address, we are conducting several surveys.
- First Responders (Ends August 26th, 2021)
We are interested in the interactions that first responders have with people with disabilities and what first responders would want to know about these individuals for any future interactions. If you are an active first responder (fire, police, or EMS) you are eligible even if you have never had any interactions with people with disabilities; we are still interested in your thoughts and opinions!
To participate you must be:
- Over the age of 18
- An active first responder (Fire, Police, or EMS)
- Fluent in English
- Not located in the European Union (EU).
This survey is expected to take 10-20 minutes to complete. If you are interested, please use this link https://gatech.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8rmpyto6uW1LVSS complete the survey. You can an email a link to the survey within 48 business hours. Note that there is no compensation for participation.
- Citizens with Disabilities (Ends August 26th, 2021)
We want to better understand the experiences of people with disabilities when they interact with first responders (fire, police, or EMS) and what you would like first responders to know about you for any future interactions. If you identify as an individual with hearing, vision, mobility, and dexterity disabilities we especially welcome your participation.
To participate you must be:
- Over the age of 18
- Fluent in English
- Not located in the European Union (EU).
This survey is expected to take 10-20 minutes to complete. If you are interested, please use this link to compete the survey. https://gatech.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1H8O9Qyhuc5KAcK. Note that there is no compensation for participation.
For more information on the Wireless Inclusive RERC:
http://www.wirelessrerc.gatech.edu/d1
For additional questions about the study, survey, or your eligibility, please contact: emily.gleaton@cacp.gatech.edu