There are an estimated 1.5 million Ontarians with disabilities and special needs. For those living with a physical, visual, auditory and/or other non-visible disability, emergency preparedness should also involve incorporating special accommodations into their emergency plans.

Emergency Management Ontario and the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario have developed an Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs. To best prepare for an emergency according to one’s special needs, please refer to the appropriate category in this guide for a list of suggested emergency survival kit items and contingency planning considerations.

The Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs [PDF]

The Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities/Special Needs is also available in six other languages:

• French [PDF]
• Chinese [PDF]
• Italian [PDF]
• Portuguese [PDF]
• Punjabi [PDF]
• Spanish [PDF]

Helping Emergency Responders Help Ontarians With Disabilities

Emergency Management Ontario and the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario have developed an online course that provides emergency responders with information to enhance their ability to provide services to people with disabilities and special needs.

Learn More:

• Take EM-131 Accessible Customer Service for Emergency Responders
• Links to services and information about Ontarians with special needs
• Sign up to receive news and emergency alerts from Emergency Management Ontario

Emergency Preparedness Video

EMO has launched its emergency preparedness video in American Sign language (ASL) and Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ).

• Watch “Are you Prepared” in ASL
• Watch “Are you Prepared” in LSQ
• Watch "Are you Prepared" with subtitles