When elevators fail in mid to high-rise housing, mobility-impaired residents can become trapped—creating immediate life-safety, compliance, and liability risks. This session presents the SHIELD initiative, a scalable solution using powered evacuation chairs to ensure safe, dignified stairwell egress. Attendees will learn how Opportunity Home San Antonio transformed a critical vulnerability into a compliant, data-driven emergency preparedness program aligned with ADA, NFPA 101, and HUD requirements. Through real-world incidents, measurable outcomes, and interagency coordination, participants will gain a replicable framework to improve resident safety, maintain continuity of care, and reduce operational costs during emergencies.
Presenters:
Domingo Ibarra
Director of Security, Opportunity Home San Antonio
Jennifer Dominquez
Senior Risk Manager Opportunity, Home San Antonio