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Tips for 1st Responders

Dear First Responder,

Whether you are a First Responder assisting in an emergency caused by a natural disaster or a terrorist attack, or you are a community volunteer providing assistance to people in need, you may encounter people with some type of disability. Some disabilities may be visually obvious. Other disabilities are more difficult to detect. In many cases, you can’t tell just by looking at the person whether they have a disability.

Supporting people with disabilities is easier if you remember they are “people first” and their disability is only a part of who they are. People with disabilities simply want to be treated with dignity and respect, just like anyone else. In supporting people with disabilities, take time to listen to what they are telling you either with their words or behaviors. It is always best to start by asking how you can help or assist.

Many first responders have requested quick, easy-to-use guidelines for assisting persons with disabilities. These tips sheets provide information about many types of disabilities and can be used during emergencies as well as during routine encounters. They are not meant to be comprehensive, but contain specific information that you can read quickly either before or while you are responding to an incident. In addition to the tips for responding to people, information about where to locate services for people is also provided. 

In addition to viewing tips on this page you may also download the full manual as a pdf.

Email us if you would like more information or have suggestions for future editions of this guide.

Jump to Tips Section


People with Service Animals


People with Autism


People with Cognitive Disabilities


People with Mobility Disabilities


People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing


People with Mental Health Conditions


Seniors


People who are Blind or have Low Vision


Using Pictures to Communicate

Pictures to help individuals communicate in their wants, needs, and thoughts in Spanish
Pictures to help individuals communicate in their wants, needs, and thoughts in English
Pictures to help individuals communicate in their wants, needs, and thoughts in English
Pictures to help individuals communicate in their wants, needs, and thoughts in Spanish

The Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma gratefully acknowledges the following organizations for the initial creation and subsequent individualization of Tips for First Responders. Without their hard work, the customized Oklahoma version of Tips would not have been possible.

  • Center for Development and Disability, University of New Mexico
  • New Mexico Department of Health, Office of Emergency Management
  • American Association on Health and Disability
  • New Mexico Governor’s Commission on Disability
  • Research and Training Center on Independent Living
  • Texas Center for Disabilities Studies
  • Texas Developmental Disabilities Council
Last Modified on Mar 16, 2023
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