We are concerned for everyone affected by the devasting fires in Los Angeles. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted, including AUCD Network staff at the University of Southern California and University of California, Los Angeles, their families, and the many disability organizations based in and around the surrounding area.
We also think of the people with disabilities, their families, and the communities our Network Centers and Programs serve. We understand that during a disaster such as this, people with disabilities are especially vulnerable.
We want to offer our assistance as a Network in any way possible. We’ve curated a list of resources for people with disabilities that can be shared far and wide. These resources offer assistance ranging from immediate disaster-related needs, emotional health tips, replacement of lost or damaged items, crisis support, and more. Please feel free to share the list of resources along with a graphic (download below) on your social media channels.
Emergency Resources for People with Disabilities
AAC Disaster Relief responds to nationally declared disasters on behalf of USSAAC members, people who use AAC, their families, and other AAC stakeholders. USSAAC works collaboratively with other organizations to replace AAC tools and devices that are lost or damaged because of a nationally declared disaster.
American Red Cross provides many resources including a Shelter Locator and a Disaster Safety Plan for People with Disabilities.
CalHOPE delivers crisis support for communities impacted by a national disaster. This is a Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and run by the California Department of Health Care Services.
California’s Office of Emergency Services identifies the needs of individuals with disabilities and others with access or functional needs before, during, and after disasters and to integrate them into the State’s emergency management systems.
CDC: Emergency Preparedness and Response, Taking Care of Your Emotional Health: Webpage with tips for taking care of your emotional health during a disaster. Available in Spanish.
The City of Los Angeles’ Emergency Management Department plans for, responds to, and recovers from complex events and disasters that impact the communities of Los Angeles.
Disability Disaster Access & Resources is a program by the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers.
DisasterAssistance.gov provides disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance through joint data-sharing efforts between federal, tribal, state, local, and private sector partners.
FEMA: Get Assistance After a Disaster: Website with individual and family assistance information for after a disaster. Available in languages other than English.
Mask Bloc LA is a mutual aid group that distributes free masks. Use the form in this link to request masks or sign up to volunteer to help.
Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies - Disability and Disaster Hotline: Call/Text: +1 (800) 626-4959 for assistance with immediate and urgent disaster-related needs. Available in languages other than English.
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Southern California Counseling Center (SCCC), a social-justice focused and trauma-informed community mental health agency, is offering four no-cost therapy sessions to anyone affected by the Los Angeles fires. Sessions are provided by pre-licensed interns, associates, and paraprofessionals who will provide referrals if you wish to continue services. Email [email protected] to inquire.
Wildfire Resource Guide & How Disability Rights California Can Help You
DRC can help you if you need help with your legal rights including: 1) The alerts not being accessible. 2) If you go to a shelter or evacuation site and it is not accessible. 3) If your service or emotional support animal is not allowed in a shelter with you. 4) If you need access to medicine or equipment that you did not bring with you and have questions about how to get it.
Graphic for Social Media Use
Download the graphic below for social media. Please use the following image alt text: Light blue and dark blue AUCD graphic pictures the AUCD logo that is a globe with a burst of lines through it. Text reads: Emergency Resources for People with Disabilities in Los Angeles; Resources Include: AAC Disaster Relief; Disability Disaster Access and Resources; American Red Cross Shelter Locator; DisasterAssistance.gov; Disability and Disaster Hotline +1 (800) 626-4959.
