McMorris Rodgers’ bill requires report on nationwide 911 disability alert system

U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) recently introduced a bipartisan bill that would task the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with determining how the nation could implement a nationwide 9–1–1 disability alerting system.

“Far too often, first responders lack critical information and training when responding to people with disabilities,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers, ranking member of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee. “This can put families, first responders and people with disabilities at risk during an emergency situation.” 

The congresswoman on Aug. 13 sponsored the Information Sharing and Advanced Communication (ISAAC) Alerting Act, S. 5028, with original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI). 

If enacted, H.R. 5028 would direct the FCC’s Technological Advisory Council to prepare the report in consultation with disability advocates, state 9–1–1 administrators, public safety answering point administrators and operational personnel, first responders, and providers of Next Generation 9–1–1 additional data information and emergency call handling systems, according to the text of the bill.

“By requiring the FCC to examine the feasibility of implementing a 9-1-1 disability alerting system, the ISAAC Alerting Act will help identify and address the challenges first responders face in these situations,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said. “It will improve the overall quality of care when a first responder enters a home and may need to provide unique assistance to someone with a disability.”

The congresswoman noted that the idea for the legislation was brought to her by Holly Goodman of the ISAAC Foundation in Spokane, Wash. 

“She’s an ability advocate in memory of her son Isaac, and she’s made a difference in our community with the ISAAC Alert System, which is currently helping emergency responders in eastern Washington and Idaho better aid people with disabilities,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.

The ISAAC Alert system currently operates in cooperation with Spokane County Dispatch and the Spokane Fire Department and is named for Goodman’s son Isaac Lytle, a Spokane resident with Autism Spectrum Disorder who passed away in 2007, according to information provided by the congresswoman’s staff. 

“There is a tremendous amount of comfort knowing first responders arriving at your home have important information to help them navigate an emergency more effectively with your loved one with a disability,” Goodman said. “Seeing our information sharing system implemented nationwide would be a dream come true.”