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Communicating in an Emergency

People who use AAC report that they may experience difficulties with their wheelchairs in the community. They also report that they feel very vulnerable when they miss their bus or taxi rides.

The majority of the participants in this project wanted to learn more about ways to get assistance when they cannot drive their chairs, access their rides, or ask for directions.

• Tips for Communicating in an Emergency
• Phrases for Communicating in an Emergency
• Sample Communication Displays
• Practice Scenarios

ACCPC takes no responsibility for any of the suggestions listed here. These suggestions are intended to highlight issues that can be customized for an individual. We ask that you share your ideas with us so that we can in turn share them with other AAC users. Contact Us with Your Ideas

Tips for Communicating in an Emergency   

The following suggestions have been made by people who use AAC:

• Keep a list of emergency contact names and numbers in a place that you easily direct a person to see. Click here to view an example.


• Before leaving home, tell someone where you are going (if appropriate).


• Have the phone number for your transportation agency and your registration number.


• Develop a Communication Passport that tells someone how you communicate and what to do in the event of an emergency.


• Keep instructions on how you communicate in a prominent place.


• Have a buzzer/call bell/alarm/panic button that you can access to get attention.


• Get attention by using your voice and body.


• Use a cell phone to call pre-programmed numbers.


• Have the address for where you're going.


• Attention getters


• Telephones

Phrases for Communicating in an Emergency   

The following suggestions have been made by AAC users:

• Tell the person how you communicate (use a Communication Passport).


• "I need some assistance."


• "Can you make a phone call for me?"


• "Please call… and tell them…"


• "My name is…"


• "I’ve missed my ride. Could you make a call for me?"


• "My chair is broken. Could you make a phone call for me?"


• "Could you please get…"


• "Please read these short instructions about my chair."


• "I’m looking for…"


• "I’m lost."


• "I’m going to…"


• "Where is…"

Communication Support

Sample Communication Displays   

Picture Displays

The following displays use Mayer-Johnson's Boardmaker v5.x software. If you want to edit or print any of these displays you will need this software.

• Communicating in an Emergency

 

Text Displays

The following displays use Microsoft Word software. If you want to edit or print any of these displays you will probably need this software.

• Communicating in an Emergency

Practice Scenarios   

1. You have missed your ride. You need to call the service to arrange another pick up. There are lots of people around but you don’t know any of them. What would you do or say?


2. You have been dropped off at your local health station where you have an appointment with your doctor. One of the cables on your wheelchair has just come loose. You cannot drive your chair. How will you tell the receptionist what you want her to do?


3. You are lost and you need directions to get where you are going? You need to ask someone you have never met. What will you say or do?