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Non-Visible Disabilities

Writer's picture: Butch ErskineButch Erskine

Individuals with non-visible disabilities may have difficulty performing some tasks even though their condition is not apparent. Non-visible disabilities can include communication, cognitive, sensory, mental health, learning, or intellectual disabilities which may impair an individual's response to an emergency. Conditions can include allergies, epilepsy, diabetes, pulmonary or heart disease, and/or depdendency on dialysis, different supplies, etc.


Your Emergency Plan:


Keep an emergency contact list on your person. This list should note key people that are aware of your special needs.


Inform your designated support network of where you store your medication.


Consider wearing a Medic Alert bracelet or identification to help notify emergency responders about your special needs.


Request that a panic push-button be installed in your work and living areas so that in an emergency you can notify others of your location and that you need special assistance.


Recommended additional items checklist:


Supply of food items appropriate to your dietary restrictions.


List of instructions that you can easily follow in an emergency.


Personal list and minimum one-week supply of all needed medications, medical supplies and special equipment (i.e. ventilator for asthma, nitro lingual spray for a heart condition, and epinephrine pen against allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock, etc.)


Detailed list of all prescription medications


Medic Alert identification


Other:


Example: People with diabetes


Extra supply of insulin or oral agent


Extra supply of syringes needles and insulin pens (if used)


Small container for storing used syringes and/or needles (if applicable)


Blood glucose testing kit, spare batteries and record book


Supply of blood glucose and urine ketone testing strips


Fast acting insulin for high blood glucose (if applicable)


Fast acting sugar for low blood glucose


Extra food to cover delayed meals


Ice packs and thermal bag to store store insulin (if applicable)


Assisting a person with a non-visible disability. What to do


Allow the person to describe the help they need


Find effective ways to communicate, such as drawn or written instructions using landmarks instead of general terms like "go left" or "turn right"


Maintain eye contact when speaking to the person


Repeat instructions (if needed)


If a person needs to take medications ask if he/she needs help taking it. (Never offer medicine not prescribed by a physician)


Blessings,


Bravo Echo Out

Preparedness101@protonmail.com




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