Diabetes | Hearing | Vision | Related Links
Individuals with non-visible disabilities may have difficulty performing some tasks even though their condition is not apparent. Non-visible disabilities can include communication, cognitive, sensory, mental health, learning or intellectual disabilities which may impair an individual's response to an emergency. Conditions can include allergies, epilepsy, diabetes, pulmonary or heart disease, and - or dependency on dialysis, different supplies, etc.
Your emergency plan
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Keep an emergency contact list on your person. This list should note key people that are aware of your
special needs. - Inform your designated support network of where you store your medication.
- Consider wearing a MedicAlert® bracelet or identification to help notify emergency responders about your special needs.
- Request that a panic push-button be installed in your work and living areas so that in an emergency you can notify others of your location and that you need special assistance.
Recommended additional items checklist
- Supply of food items appropriate to your dietary restrictions
- List of instructions that you can easily follow in an emergency
- Personal list and minimum one-week supply of all needed medications, medical supplies and special equipment (i.e., ventilator for asthma, nitro lingual spray for a heart condition, an epinephrine pen against allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock, etc.)
- Detailed list of all prescription medications
- MedicAlert® identification
- Other: _____________________________________
- Extra supply of insulin or oral agent
- Extra supply of syringes, needles and insulin pens (if used)
- Small container for storing used syringes and/or needles (if applicable)
- Blood glucose testing kit, spare batteries and record book
- Supply of blood glucose and urine ketone testing strips Fast acting insulin for high blood glucose (if applicable) Fast acting sugar for low blood glucose
- Extra food to cover delayed meals
- Ice packs and thermal bag to store insulin (if applicable)
Assisting a person with a non-visible disability – what to do
- Allow the person to describe the help they need.
- Find effective ways to communicate, such as drawn or written instructions, using landmarks instead of general terms like "go left" or "turn right".
- Maintain eye contact when speaking to the person.
- Repeat instructions (if needed).
- If a person needs to take medication, ask if he - she needs help taking it. (Never offer medicine not prescribed by a physician.)
Hearing
The way that emergency warnings are issued in an emergency is critical to the understanding of instructions and the subsequent response and safety of those with hearing loss.
Your emergency plan
- Communicate your hearing loss by moving your lips without making a sound, pointing to your ear, using a gesture, or if applicable, pointing to your hearing aid.
- Keep a pencil and paper handy for written communication.
- Obtain a pager that is connected to an emergency paging system at your workplace and - or your residence.
- Install a smoke detection system that includes flashing strobe lights or vibrators to get your attention if the alarms sound.
- Test smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button.
- Replace batteries every six months or whenever there is a low battery signal.
Recommended additional items checklist
- Writing pads and pencils for communication
- Flashlight, whistle or personal alarm
- Pre-printed phrases you would use during an emergency, such as "I use American Sign Language" or "If you make announcements, I will need to have them written simply or signed".
- Assistive equipment according to your needs (i.e., hearing aid, personal amplifier, etc.)
- Portable visual notification devices to know if someone is knocking on the door, ringing the doorbell, or calling on the telephone
- Extra batteries for assistive devices
- Other: _____________________________________
Assisting a person with a hearing impairment – what to do
- Get the person's attention via a visual cue or a gentle touch on their arm. Do not approach the person from behind.
- Face the person, make eye contact when speaking to them as they may rely on lip reading and communicate in close proximity.
- Speak clearly and naturally. Do not shout or speak unnaturally slowly.
- Try to rephrase, rather than repeating yourself.
- Use gestures to help illustrate your meaning.
- If there is time, it may be helpful to write a message.
- Hearing aids amplify sounds and can create a physical shock to the user, so do not make loud noises.
- Note that some people may be deaf-blind.
Vision
A person who is blind or has reduced vision may have difficulty reading signs or moving through unfamiliar environments during an emergency. They may feel lost and - or dependent on others for guidance.
Your emergency plan
- Have a longer white cane available to readily maneuver around obstacles (there may be debris on the floor or furniture may have shifted).
- Identify all emergency supplies in advance with fluorescent tape, large print or Braille text, such as gas, water and electric shutoff valves.
- Familiarize yourself in advance with all escape routes and locations of emergency doors - exits on each floor of any building where you work, live and visit.
Recommended additional items checklist
- Extra white cane, preferably longer in length
- Talking or Braille clock
- Large print timepiece with extra batteries
- Extra vision aids such as an electronic travel aid, monocular, binocular or magnifier
- Extra pair of prescription glasses (if applicable)
- Any reading devices - assistive technology to access information or portable CCTV devices
- Other: _____________________________________
Assisting a person with a vision disability – what to do
- For people who are deaf-blind, draw an "X" on their back with your finger to let them know you can help them.
- To communicate with someone who is deaf-blind, trace letters in their hand with your finger.
- To guide a person, keep half a step ahead, offer them your arm and walk at their pace.
- Do not shout at a person who is blind or has reduced vision. Speak clearly and provide specific directions.
- Provide advance warning of upcoming stairs, major obstacles or changes in direction.
- Watch for obstacles that the person could walk into.
- Never grab a person with vision loss, unless it is a matter of life or death.
- Do not assume that the person cannot see you.
- Avoid the term "over there"; describe positions such as, "to your right, left, straight ahead, behind you," or by using the clock face positions (i.e., the exit is at 12 o'clock).
- If the person has a service animal on duty, ask them where you should walk to avoid distracting the animal. Do not separate the service animal from its owner.
- Are You Prepared?
- Emergency Preparedness Planning
- Types of Emergencies and How to Prepare
- Path to Preparedness - Safety Plan Checklist
- Emergency Alerts
- Emergency Kits
- More HEPRA Resources