♿ Disability Considerations — Easy Read
This is the Easy Read version. Words are simple. Sentences are short.
Why This Matters
People with disabilities need different types of alerts.
One type of alert does not reach everyone.
Use many types of alerts.
👁️ Vision Disabilities
What to Do
Send alerts that screen readers can read.
Use text. Do not use images only.
Use large text (18pt minimum).
Use high contrast colors.
Send audio versions.
During Evacuation
Tell people the exact route in words.
Assign a sighted guide if you can.
Allow guide dogs and service animals.
Give extra time to gather equipment.
At a Shelter
Say the room layout out loud.
Guide people to bathrooms and exits.
Keep walkways clear.
Say any changes out loud.
Do NOT
- Send visual-only alerts.
- Block pathways.
- Separate people from their guide dogs.
👂 Hearing Disabilities
What to Do
Send text versions of all alerts.
Use visual signals (flashing lights, signs).
Provide ASL interpretation when possible.
Add captions to all videos.
Include TTY phone numbers.
During Evacuation
Use flashing lights to alert people.
Write down directions.
Face the person when speaking.
Write information down if needed.
At a Shelter
Use visual alert systems.
Post written announcements.
Have an ASL interpreter if available.
Use communication boards.
Do NOT
- Rely only on sirens.
- Use audio-only alerts.
- Turn away from the person when speaking.
- Cover your mouth.
- Assume they can lip-read.
🧠 Cognitive Disabilities
What to Do
Use very simple language (Grade 3–4 level).
Use pictures and symbols.
Repeat information many times.
Give one instruction at a time.
Avoid jargon and complex words.
During Evacuation
Use simple, direct commands.
Say “Go to [place].” Not “Evacuate to the designated area.”
Give visual schedules.
Assign a support person if possible.
Allow comfort items.
Be patient with questions.
At a Shelter
Keep routines as normal as possible.
Explain what will happen next.
Reduce noise and bright lights.
Provide quiet spaces.
Keep information simple.
Good Alert Example
✅ Good: “Fire. Leave building. Go to park.”
❌ Bad: “Due to structural fire, residents are advised to evacuate via emergency egress routes to the designated assembly point.”
🦽 Mobility Disabilities
What to Do
Give extra evacuation time.
Include accessible route information.
Offer transportation help.
Plan for power needs (for power chairs).
During Evacuation
Mark accessible routes clearly.
Have evacuation chairs or working elevators.
Identify ground-floor exits.
Provide accessible transportation.
Have assistance available.
At a Shelter
Have ramps and wide doorways.
Have accessible bathrooms.
Have power outlets for devices.
Have space for wheelchairs and equipment.
Do NOT
- Separate people from their mobility devices.
- Assume they can walk short distances.
- Forget about power needs.
💙 Mental Health Disabilities
What to Do
Be clear and specific. This reduces anxiety.
Avoid scary language.
Give step-by-step instructions.
Include mental health resources.
Repeat reassuring information.
At a Shelter
Have quiet spaces available.
Provide mental health support.
Keep routines and structure.
Provide private spaces when possible.
Reduce chaos and confusion.
👥 Multiple Disabilities
Many people have more than one disability.
Example: A person who is:
- Deaf
- Uses a wheelchair
- Has anxiety
This person needs ALL of:
- 👁️ Visual alerts
- 🦽 Accessible evacuation routes
- 🧠 Clear, simple instructions
- ⏰ Extra time
- 👤 A support person
- 🏠 Accessible shelter
- 🔌 Power for devices
- 💙 Mental health support
Always:
- Ask what they need.
- Do not assume.
- Provide multiple alert types.
- Check that they understood.
- Offer help — do not force it.
🌟 Universal Design Principles
Simple design helps everyone:
- Simple language → everyone understands faster.
- Multiple channels → everyone gets the message.
- Visual + audio + text → everyone is covered.
- Clear routes → everyone finds their way.
- Extra time → everyone is safer.
Test Your Alerts
- Read it out loud. Does it make sense?
- Check with a screen reader.
- Show it to someone with a cognitive disability.
- Test it on a phone (small screen).
- Print it in black and white. Is it readable?
- Remove images. Does it still make sense?
🏥 Shelter Supplies
Accessibility Equipment:
- Extra wheelchairs
- Hearing aid batteries
- Magnification devices
- Communication boards
- Picture and symbol cards
- Writing materials
- Portable ramps
Communication:
- TTY devices
- ASL interpreters (on-call)
- Translation services
- Simple language guides
- Visual schedules
- Picture cards
Medical:
- Extra medications
- Power for medical equipment
- Service animal supplies
- Oxygen equipment
- Sensory items (earplugs, eye masks)
👷 Staff Training
All staff must know:
- How to talk with people who are blind.
- How to talk with people who are deaf.
- How to talk with people with cognitive disabilities.
- How to help with mobility devices.
- How to recognize anxiety or panic.
- When to call for specialized help.
Practice these scenarios:
- Help someone in a wheelchair evacuate.
- Give directions to someone who is blind.
- Alert someone who is deaf.
- Calm someone with anxiety.
- Help someone with a cognitive disability.
📋 Quick Checklists
Before an Emergency
- Register people who need extra help.
- Create accessible evacuation plans.
- Train all staff.
- Test all alert systems.
- Stock accessibility equipment.
- Set up communication protocols.
During an Emergency
- Use multiple alert channels.
- Give clear, simple information.
- Offer help.
- Check on people who need extra help.
- Maintain accessible communication.
- Provide accessible shelter.
After an Emergency
- Check on people who need extra help.
- Share recovery resources.
- Write down what worked and what did not.
- Update procedures.
- Debrief with the community.
💡 Remember: Accessible alerts save more lives. Design for people with the most barriers. You will reach everyone.