Over the last few months, most of us have learned the basics of what we need to survive during a national or local emergency. 
But for people with disabilities, there are other things to consider. Although disability-specific items may not be included in typical emergency preparedness lists, they are just as essential for those who depend on them.
It’s never too late or too early to prepare! Check out the lists below that pertain to specific disability types and make plans to update your emergency kit as necessary. For more in-depth information and guidance, download The Independence Center’s Personal Emergency Preparedness Workbook at bit.ly/ep-workbook.
CHEMICAL AND FOOD SENSITIVITIES
☐ Alternate cooking method
☐ Antihistamine
☐ Disposable hand wipes
☐ Disposable plates and utensils
☐ Epinephrine auto-injector
☐ Ready-to-eat foods
☐ Special dietary supplements
BREATHING/RESPIRATORY LIMITATIONS
☐ Alternate charging source
☐ Alternate power source
☐ Extra batteries, alternate power source, or charging system for oxygen and breathing devices
☐ N95 rated particulate filter mask
☐ Rechargeable batteries
☐ Resuscitation bag
☐ Towels, masks, industrial respirators or other supplies you can use to filter your air supply
COGNITIVE DISABILITIES
Organizational Aids:
☐ Color Post-it flags
☐ Color Sticky Notes
☐ Highlighter marker
☐ Highlighter tape
☐ Notebook
Prompting Devices:
☐ Picture prompting books
☐ Talking Photo Album
☐ Voice Cue
COMMUNICATION OR SPEECH LIMITATIONS
☐ Dry erase board
☐ Laminated alphabet boards
☐ Laminated communication board
☐ Paper and pens
DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING
☐Paper and pens
☐ Cell phone amplifier
☐ Extra hearing aid batteries
☐ Portable phone amplifier
☐ Vibrating watch
☐ Dry erase board
☐ Extra cochlear implant batteries
☐ Extra power cord for your smart phone or pager
☐ Amplification systems – pocket talker
☐ Alternate power source or charging system for your smart phone or pager
MOBILITY LIMITATIONS
☐ Heavy gloves for wheeling over glass or debris.
☐ Bottle openers
☐ Cooling aids
☐ Dressing aids
☐ Drink holders
☐ Drinking aids – long straw, uDrink
☐ Eating aids
☐ Reachers
☐ Writing aids
VISUAL DISABILITIES
☐Big print address book
☐ Book light
☐ Cell phone magnifier
☐ Extra batteries, alternate power source or charging system
☐ Extra glasses
☐ High-powered flashlights with wide beams and extra batteries
☐ Liquid level indicator
☐ Magnifiers
☐ Mark disaster supplies with fluorescent tape, large print, or braille
☐ Signature guide
☐ Talking watch
☐ Talking clock/calendar