Individuals with access and functional needs are people who during an emergency might need additional assistance. Often times, people that fall into this group are severely impacted by a disaster if they do not prepare. If you fall into one or more of the groups below, it is important for you to take additional steps when completing your individual and family emergency plan.

• Individual with disability
• Non-English speaker and isolated populations
• Individual with pets or children
• Temporary mobility impairment
• Economically disadvantaged

Under normal circumstances, persons with access and functional needs often have assistive support to correct their impairment or may live in an environment where their needs are fulfilled. For example, someone with a visual impairment might use corrective lenses; someone who only speaks Spanish may have a friend that can translate when necessary; or someone without a vehicle may be able to use the bus. What happens if a person cannot find their glasses, or their translator, or the bus is not available? Individuals must plan for unusual circumstances like disasters.

Guides for Individuals with Access and Functional Needs

For your convenience, several formats of the brochure “Emergency Preparedness for Individuals with Non-Typical Functional Needs” are available:

• English
• Español
• Large-Print
• Braille – Contact Public Health Preparedness
• Cassette Tape – Contact Public Health Preparedness

Other helpful information can be found at:

• Preparedness Today – for Seniors – American Red Cross / CDC
• DEMA – Pet Tips

Guides for Emergency Responders and Emergency Managers

• A Guide for Emergency Planners: Considerations for Individuals with Non-Typical Functional Needs
• Tips for First Responders Field Guide

• Return to Preparedness for Your Needs home page

Please note: Some of the files available on this page are in Adobe PDF format which requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. A free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded directly from Adobe . If you are using an assistive technology unable to read Adobe PDF, please either view the corresponding text only version (if available) or visit Adobe’s Accessibility Tools page.