What communication strategies help people with disabilities during a crisis?

1 Identify communication needs

The first step is to identify your own communication needs or those of the people you support. Communication needs may vary depending on the type and severity of the disability, the nature of the crisis, and the availability of resources. For example, some people may need sign language interpreters, captioning, or assistive devices, while others may need plain language, visual aids, or alternative formats. You should also consider your preferred channels of communication, such as phone, email, text, or social media. By identifying your communication needs, you can prepare for a crisis and communicate them to others.

2 Plan ahead

The second step is to plan ahead for a crisis and how you will communicate during it. You should have a personal emergency plan that includes your communication needs, contact information, backup options, and support network. You should also have an emergency kit that contains your communication devices, batteries, chargers, and any other essential items. You should also familiarize yourself with the communication systems and protocols of your local emergency services, such as 911, alert systems, or evacuation routes. By planning ahead, you can reduce the risk of communication breakdowns and increase your safety and resilience.

3 Use multiple channels

The third step is to use multiple channels of communication during a crisis to ensure that you receive and share information effectively. You should not rely on a single channel, as it may be disrupted, overloaded, or inaccessible. You should also check the credibility and accuracy of the information you receive, as there may be misinformation, rumors, or scams. You should use multiple channels to communicate with your support network, emergency services, and other stakeholders. Some examples of channels are phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, radio, TV, or websites. By using multiple channels, you can stay informed and connected during a crisis.

4 Be clear and concise

The fourth step is to be clear and concise when you communicate during a crisis. You should use simple and direct language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and repeat or summarize key points. You should also use visual or auditory cues, such as icons, colors, or tones, to enhance your message. You should also ask for confirmation or feedback to ensure that your message is understood and acted upon. By being clear and concise, you can avoid confusion and misunderstanding during a crisis.

5 Adapt and improvise

The fifth step is to adapt and improvise when you face communication challenges during a crisis. You may encounter situations where your communication needs are not met, your devices are not working, or your channels are not available. In such cases, you should be flexible and creative in finding alternative ways to communicate. You should also seek help from others who can assist you or advocate for you. Some examples of adapting and improvising are using gestures, writing, drawing, or using common objects. By adapting and improvising, you can overcome communication barriers and cope with a crisis.

6 Follow up and evaluate

The sixth and final step is to follow up and evaluate your communication strategies after a crisis. You should review your personal emergency plan and kit and update them if needed. You should also provide feedback to your support network, emergency services, and other stakeholders on how they communicated with you and how they can improve. You should also seek support and resources for your emotional and mental well-being, as a crisis can be stressful and traumatic. By following up and evaluating, you can learn from your experience and prepare for future crises.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?