Disabled victims have many options for contacting FEMA

To help entire communities recover from the April tornadoes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Alabama Emergency Management Agency are working to make sure people with disabilities have equal access to disaster assistance programs.
A statewide taskforce – including the Governor’s Office on Disability, Independent Living centers and other disability organizations – has teamed with FEMA to serve as a resource for individuals with disabilities. FEMA also has a disability integration specialist assigned to Alabama.
The inclusive effort means materials are in plain language and in alternative formats such as large print and Braille. Sign language interpreters, amplified phones and other assistive technology are available by request.
FEMA’s TTY line (800-462-7585) can also answer questions or register people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
FEMA takes active steps to ensure that the whole community – including people with disabilities, seniors and those with low English proficiency – has the same opportunity to benefit from disaster assistance programs.
Survivors can register with FEMA through the following methods:
• Individuals who use a videophone may use the Alabama Relay Service (7-1-1) to contact FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362.
• By text telephone, known as TTY, at 800-462-7585.
• Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
• By smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.
• In Spanish, www.fema.gov/esp/index.shtm.