COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Develop Effective NDIS Emergency Management Plans course. This program is designed to empower NDIS providers, support workers, and participants with the knowledge and tools to create and implement effective emergency management plans.

Emergency management in the NDIS context refers to the preparation, response, and recovery strategies necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of participants and the continuity of essential support services. Effective planning is crucial to mitigate risks during emergencies, protect vulnerable individuals, and comply with the NDIS Practice Standards and Guidelines. This course also highlights the legal and ethical responsibilities of stakeholders involved in emergency preparedness.

Emergencies affecting the NDIS sector can range from natural disasters, such as bushfires and floods, to health crises, infrastructure failures, and other unforeseen events. Understanding these risks and assessing vulnerabilities is the first step in ensuring preparedness. Participants and providers face unique challenges during emergencies, and this course will explore how to evaluate the impact of risks on daily activities and support services, ensuring tailored solutions for a variety of scenarios.

A Personal Emergency Management Plan (PEMP) is a critical component for ensuring individual safety and preparedness. This section will guide participants and support workers through key elements of a PEMP, including risk assessments, documentation of personal support needs, emergency contacts, evacuation plans, and communication strategies. The importance of maintaining accessible medical information and emergency supply kits will also be covered, ensuring readiness for diverse situations.

Developing a PEMP involves collaboration and regular review. Participants will learn how to create customised plans that address specific disabilities, preferences, and risks. This section emphasises involving participants in the planning process, working with their support networks, and conducting regular reviews and drills to ensure the plans remain relevant and effective.

Providers also require robust emergency management plans to maintain service delivery and safeguard staff and participants. This course will cover key components such as risk assessments, business continuity planning, emergency response protocols, communication strategies, and role allocation. Providers will also learn the importance of regular training, drills, and collaboration with external agencies to strengthen emergency preparedness.

Effective communication during emergencies is vital. This section will teach participants how to create accessible communication strategies that utilise multiple channels, ensuring clear, timely alerts and updates. Coordination with external agencies for information dissemination will also be highlighted to ensure smooth communication across all stakeholders.

Resource and inventory management is another essential aspect of emergency preparedness. Providers will learn to maintain emergency supplies, regularly check and replenish inventories, and allocate resources to ensure continuous support during and after emergencies. Examples of best practices in resource management will be shared to illustrate effective implementation.

Training and simulation exercises are key to building capacity and readiness. This course will guide participants and providers in conducting staff training on emergency procedures, first aid, and equipment use. Participants will also learn the importance of regular drills to evaluate the effectiveness of emergency management plans and improve preparedness.

Emergency plans require ongoing monitoring and updating to remain effective. Participants will explore strategies for reviewing and adapting plans based on participant feedback, emerging risks, and incident reviews. Examples of effective monitoring and updates will demonstrate how continuous improvement strengthens preparedness over time.

Post-emergency recovery and evaluation are essential for ensuring a smooth transition back to normal operations. This section will focus on supporting participants and staff during recovery, reviewing incident responses, and updating plans based on lessons learned. Participants will also explore how a thorough evaluation process enhances future emergency responses.

By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge and skills to develop and implement effective emergency management plans that prioritise participant safety, maintain service continuity, and meet NDIS requirements. And to build resilient support systems that respond effectively to challenges while safeguarding the well-being of all stakeholders.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to NDIS Emergency Management

• Definition and Scope of Emergency Management in the NDIS
• Importance of Emergency Preparedness for Participants and Providers
• Key Stakeholders in Emergency Management Plans
• Alignment with NDIS Practice Standards and Guidelines
• Overview of Legal and Ethical Responsibilities in Emergencies

2. Understanding Risks in the NDIS Context

• Types of Emergencies Affecting NDIS Participants and Providers
• Natural Disasters (e.g., bushfires, floods)
• Health Emergencies (e.g., pandemics, critical illnesses)
• Infrastructure Failures (e.g., power outages, IT disruptions)
• Assessing Vulnerabilities for Participants and Providers
• Evaluating the Impact of Risks on Daily Activities and Support Services

3. Components of a Personal Emergency Management Plan (PEMP)

• Risk Assessment
• Identifying Potential Emergencies (e.g., location-specific risks like floods or bushfires)
• Evaluating How Emergencies Impact Daily Life and Support Needs
• Personal Support Needs
• Documenting Mobility Assistance, Medical Needs, and Communication Aids
• Ensuring Support Workers and Caregivers Understand Specific Needs
• Emergency Contacts
• Listing Family, Support Workers, and Local Emergency Services with Contact Details
• Maintaining Updated and Accessible Emergency Contact Information
• Evacuation Plan
• Outlining Clear Evacuation Routes and Accessible Transportation Options
• Identifying Accessible Emergency Shelters
• Communication Strategy
• Establishing Methods for Receiving Alerts and Sending Notifications
• Ensuring Familiarity with Communication Devices Among All Involved
• Medical Information
• Documenting Medications, Dosages, Allergies, and Healthcare Providers
• Keeping Records Readily Accessible and Updated
• Emergency Supply Kit
• Preparing Kits with Medications, Medical Supplies, Identification, and Personal Documents
• Regularly Reviewing and Restocking Kits

4. Developing a Personal Emergency Management Plan (PEMP)

• Steps to Create a Comprehensive PEMP
• Involving Participants in Risk Assessments and Needs Analysis
• Collaborating with Support Networks to Finalise Plans
• Reviewing and Testing the Plan Regularly
• Customising PEMP for Individual Circumstances
• Addressing Specific Disabilities and Preferences
• Incorporating Feedback from Participants and Caregivers

5. Components of an Emergency Management Plan for Providers

• Risk Assessment and Contingency Planning
• Identifying Risks to Service Delivery (e.g., natural disasters, IT failures)
• Developing Strategies to Mitigate Identified Risks
• Conducting Regular Hazard Audits
• Business Continuity Planning
• Establishing Procedures to Maintain Critical Services During Emergencies
• Addressing Events Such as Utility Failures or Building Loss
• Creating Robust Contingency Plans for Minimal Disruption
• Emergency Management Process
• Outlining Response Actions for Different Emergency Types
• Ensuring Staff Safety and Participant Wellbeing
• Securing Locations and Resources During Emergencies
• Communication Strategies
• Creating Protocols for Internal and External Communication
• Ensuring Accessible Communication for Participants with Diverse Needs
• Maintaining Open Channels Before, During, and After Emergencies
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Defining Team Roles (e.g., managers, wardens, team leaders)
• Clarifying Responsibilities for Immediate and Long-Term Actions
• Training and Drills
• Providing Staff Training on Procedures and Equipment Use
• Conducting Simulations to Test Plan Effectiveness

6. Developing an Emergency Management Plan for Providers

• Steps to Create an Effective Plan
• Assessing Organisational Vulnerabilities and Needs
• Collaborating with Staff and External Agencies to Develop Procedures
• Regular Testing and Updating of Plans Based on New Risks
• Incorporating Participant Needs
• Engaging Participants in the Planning Process
• Tailoring Plans to Include Diverse Participant Requirements

7. Communication Strategies for Emergencies

• Ensuring Accessibility for All Stakeholders
• Using Multiple Channels (e.g., phone, email, apps) for Alerts and Updates
• Coordinating with External Agencies for Information Dissemination

8. Resource and Inventory Management

• Maintaining Emergency Supplies for Participants and Providers
• Regularly Checking and Replenishing Inventories
• Allocating Resources to Ensure Continuous Support
• Examples of Comprehensive Resource and Inventory Management in Action

9. Training, Simulation, and Capacity Building

• Staff Training on Emergency Procedures and First Aid
• Participant Education on Personal Emergency Preparedness
• Conducting Regular Drills to Evaluate Plan Effectiveness
• Examples of Training, Simulation, and Capacity Building in Practice

10. Monitoring, Reviewing, and Updating Plans

• Periodic Assessment of Plan Effectiveness
• Adapting Plans Based on Participant Feedback and Incident Reviews
• Staying Informed About Emerging Risks and Best Practices
• Examples of Monitoring, Reviewing, and Updating Plans in Practice

11. Post-Emergency Recovery and Evaluation

• Supporting Participants and Staff During Recovery
• Reviewing Incident Responses and Identifying Areas for Improvement
• Updating Plans Based on Lessons Learned
• Examples of Post-Emergency Recovery and Evaluation in Practice

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.