Useful Information
Emergency Preparedness and Augmentative Communication
Providing communication access during complex humanitarian emergencies
Emergency Communication 4 ALL
Many individuals struggle to communicate in an emergency, which can result in a delays in meeting their needs or a loss of life. Most emergency medical personnel have some training in accommodations for people who are deaf/hearing impaired and/or visually impaired, but few know what to do if people are unable to communicate because of language and cultural issues (unless an interpreter is present). Also, many people with disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, dementia, aphasia, etc. have difficulty communicating and rely on auxiliary aides, devices and strategies to communicate effectively. Augmentative aids, devices and strategies offer communication options for all.
The AAC-RERC has developed relevant information and materials to help. Go to www.aac-rerc.com
To download the board Emergency Communication 4 All in English or Spanish, go to
www.temple.edu/instituteondisabilities/aacvocabulary/
