This document has been specially developed by a team of emergency management and health professionals to help assist those with special needs to be better prepared for a disaster or emergency. Ability to successfully respond to a disaster is directly related to preparedness prior to the disaster. People with disabilities can review this document with their families and with caregivers. Developed by the State of Illinois Emergency Management Agency, this tool includes tips for developing disaster kits and health cards for people with functional needs, dealing with life support systems during a crisis, and making sure guide dogs get proper care. It has sections related to cognitive impairments, hearing loss, life support systems, blindness, lack of mobility, mental illness, and more. Accessibility: This PDF may not be fully accessible using a screen reader or Read Out Loud. Navigation may be confusing, some text may not be readable, and images do not have alternate text.