Emergency Communication4ALL1, 2
Diane Nelson Bryen, Ph.D.
Temple University
Communication during times of emergency is critical. However, many individuals may not communicate effectively due to their disability, injury, or shock. For others, spoken English may not be effective as well.
Since communication is so important, we have developed free downloadable communication aids in English and Spanish. These aids can be used during times of emergency when spoken English or Spanish may not effective.
We have researched what words are needed during and after emergencies. These words can be found at https://disabilities.temple.edu/assistive-technology/emergency-communication-aac-vocabulary.
If you are a person with a disability or someone who doesn't speak English that well these communication aids may help you.
If you are a person who does not hear well or read well these communication aids may help you too.
If you are an emergency responder, having these communication aids may improve your communication with
- a person with a disability
- someone who doesn't hear so well
- someone who doesn't speak English or Spanish well
In addition to the Emergency Communication 4 ALL communication aids, read Tips for Communicating with Someone Who Needs Assistance.
I. Emergency Communication 4 ALL—Picture Communication Aid
English/Spanish aids revised 2018
English/Spanish, prints to 8 ½ x 11 inches (Download PDF - 847 KB)
English/Spanish, prints to 8 ½ x 14 inches (Download PDF - 1502 KB)
Legacy English and Spanish Aids
English (Download PDF - 394 KB)
Spanish (Download PDF - 845 KB)
This communication aid has pictures of important words. It also has some important phrases and a small letter "keyboard." On the back is a personal information form to be filled out by you, by a family member, a familiar support person, your doctor, or by an emergency responder.
Individuals who need communication assistance can download this communication aid in English and Spanish. Then it can be carried with you in case of an emergency.
An emergency responder or health care provider can also download the Picture Communication Aids for anyone who needs communication assistance in an emergency.
In order to download the Emergency Communication 4 ALL—Picture Board, follow these simple directions:
Directions for Downloading and Printing
- Click on the link and if you have Adobe Reader, a 2-page PDF will be downloaded to your computer. (
If you do not have Adobe Reader, you may download it now). - You will note that the PDF has 2 pages—one with the Emergency Communication 4 ALL—Picture Communication Aid and one with the Personal Information Form. The size of both pages is 8 1/2 by 14 inches. In order to print it out you will need to have a printer and printer paper that can handle this size PDF.
- If you do not have a printer and the right size paper for printout, you have three options:
- Reduce the size of the PDF and print it on regular size paper, or
- Take the electronic file to a printing store for printing on larger size paper.
- Once you have printed the 2 pages, paste them back-to-back. You can also put them in a plastic page sleeve or file folder.
- Fill out the Personal Information Form with your vital information; and
- Carry the Emergency Communication 4 ALL—Picture Communication Aid with you.
II. Emergency Communication 4 ALL—Letter and Word Communication Aid
English (Download PDF - 376 KB) | Spanish (Download PDF - 425 KB)
This letter and word/phrase board can be used with someone who needs communication assistance and who can read and spell. On the back of this communication aid is a personal information form to be filled out by you, by a family member, a familiar support person, your doctor, or by an emergency responder.
Individuals who need communication assistance can download this communication aid in either English or Spanish. However, you must be able to read and spell to use it. Then it can be carried with you in case of an emergency.
An emergency responder or health care provider can also download the English and Spanish Letter and Word Communication Aids. You can keep it handy for anyone who needs communication assistance in an emergency as long as they can read and spell.
Directions for Downloading and Printing.
- Click on the link and if you have Adobe Reader, a 2-page PDF will be downloaded to your computer. ( If you do not have Adobe Reader, you should download it now).
- You will note that the PDF has 2 pages—one with the Emergency Communication 4 ALL – Letter and Word Communication Aid and one with the Personal Information Form. The size of both pages is 8 1/2 by 14 inches. In order to print it out you will need to have a printer and printer paper that can handle this size PDF.
- If you do not have a printer and the right size paper for this printout, you have three options:
- Reduce the size of the PDF and print it on regular size paper, or
- Take the electronic file to a printing store for printing on larger size paper.
- Once you have printed the 2 pages, paste them back-to-back. You can also put them in a plastic page sleeve or file folder.
- Fill out the Personal Information Form with your vital information; and
- Carry the Emergency Communication 4 ALL—Letter and Word Communication Aid with you.
In addition to the Emergency Communication 4 ALL communication aids, read Tips for Communicating with Someone Who Needs Assistance.
1 Special thanks to the contributions made by Rachel Ravitch, Research Assistant at the Institute on Disabilities and Pamela Kennedy, AAC-RERC Writers Brigade & United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication."
2 The work was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Disabilities and Rehabilitation Research#H133E0330018.