FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination (ODIC) calls your attention to the following information related to the recent disaster in Japan. This information is being distributed by FEMA on behalf of the Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities (ICC).

On Friday, March 18, 2011, an ICC working group focusing on the disaster in Japan convened a conference call with representatives from the Department of State, Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Agency for International Development, the National Council on Disability and FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination (ODIC) to share information and discuss possible venues of support regarding the status of people with disabilities in Japan. Feedback from members of the working group reflects a practical a need for increased communication and information exchange channels between American and Japanese NGOs. To provide support for stakeholders in this effort, the following links provide information which you may find helpful in the information exchange process: http://www.usicd.org/index.cfm/news_letter-from-shoji-nakanishi, Additionally, to learn more about the overall federal government response to the disaster in Japan, please visit:

• http://www.usa.gov/Japan2011.shtml

We hope that this information is helpful to you, if you or your organization is interested in reaching out to disability NGOs in Japan.

From FEMA Disability Integration Coordination