Tips for People with Communication and Speech Related Disabilities

This fact sheet is designed to provide a checklist of activities for people with disabilities to improve their emergency preparedness readiness.

Preparation may seem like a lot of work. It is. Preparing does take time and effort. So do a little at a time, as your energy and budget permit. The important thing is to start preparing. The more you do, the more confident you will be that you can protect yourself, your family and your belongings.

Communication

• Determine how you will communicate with emergency personnel if you do not have your communication devices (augmentative communication device, word board, artificial larynx).

Communication Aids

• Store a word or letter board, paper, writing materials, pre-printed messages and key phrases specific to an anticipated emergency in all your emergency kits and your wallet or purse.

Emergency Health Information Card

• Make sure your emergency health information card explains the best method to communicate with you, such as written notes, pointing to letters/words/pictures or finding a quiet place.

Alternate Power Source

• Obtain an alternative power source (power converter, batteries) if you use a computer or laptop computer as a means of frequent communication.

Information adapted from Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco and the American Red Cross.