Vicky Davidson appointed to the National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters

Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council (MODDC) Executive Director Vicky Davidson was recently appointed to the National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary.

The National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters is a federal advisory committee that provides advice and guidance to the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and to the HHS Secretary.

The committee brings together experts with policy, advocacy and lived-world experience to make recommendations to address the specific needs of people with disabilities in preparation for, response to, and recovery from all-hazards emergencies and disasters.

More than 35 years of experience statewide systems change and policy development

Davidson has more than 35 years of experience working toward statewide systems change and policy development that impacts individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and advocating for people with disabilities. More importantly, she is a mother and family member to individuals with disabilities. Davidson has served as a training resource for the MODDC and other partners in the disability field regarding statewide and national trends related to family support, legislative advocacy, education of students with disabilities and emergency preparedness issues. Vicky currently serves as the Secretary for the National Association for Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD).

Following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and while working for the MODDC, Davidson became active in the emergency management arena with a focus of working with individuals with disabilities, their families and providers of services. In addition, she provided training on the topics of mitigation, preparedness and community involvement of people with disabilities. She worked with the statewide People First Advocacy organization to ensure that personal preparedness training met the needs of individuals with disabilities and as a result, and has presented that training to more than 2,000 people. Her passion is ensuring that those who experience access and functional needs have the knowledge and tools they need for all phases of emergency management.

Davidson had worked with the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) as a trainer and course manager for the G-197 Emergency Planning for Special Needs Populations, Functional Needs Support Services for General Population Shelters (FNSS), Functional Assessment Support Team (FAST) and other human services courses when offered. She continues to be a leader in emergency management for people with disabilities and currently serves as the Chair of the Functional and Access Needs Committee that is supported by SEMA, to address the needs of people with disabilities and other access and functional needs.

Through the work of the Council’s Victimization Task Force, Davidson has worked with Niagara University, where she has completed a Master Training for Emergency Management Disability Awareness Training, and implemented a First Responder Disability Awareness Training in Missouri.