FEMA Reaches Out to Survivors with Access and Functional Needs

FEMA is committed to ensuring that services and assistance are available for people with access and functional needs.

FEMA offers many ways to help register by Dec. 10, 2018.

Equipped with accessible ramps, parking and restrooms, Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) provide one-on-one consultation and resources such as captioned phones and iPads linked to video-remote sign language interpreters. If a disaster survivor cannot travel to the DRC, FEMA will arrange a home visit.

When registering, survivors should let FEMA staff know if they have an accommodation request. Additional assistance is available below:

• If you were affected by Hurricane Michael in Florida and need a sign language interpreter, foreign language translator, a Braille document or large-print or electronic file and it is not available on the FEMA website (Resources-people-disabilities-access-functional-needs), please call 470-364-7252.
  • To register for assistance, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA app on phones/tablets, or call 800-621-3362, 800-462-7585 (TTY). Multilingual operators are available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

State of Florida resources include:

• Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living: 850-575-6004 or toll-free 866-575-6004; email 
  Info@floridaCILS.org .
• Disability Resource Center: 850-769-6890; 866-954-5898 (TTY); email rcox66@drcpc.org.
• Florida Coordinating Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: toll free 866-602-3275; 866-602-327 (TTY);
  email info@fccdhh.org