Accessible FEMA Videos and Sign Language Interpreters for DRCs

Accessible FEMA Videos and Sign Language Interpreters for DRCs

Good evening,

We have two important updates to share with you. First, FEMA has produced three new accessible videos. Second, for Hurricane Harvey only, FEMA now has a text only phone number to arrange for a sign language interpreter at Disaster Recovery Centers. Please share these updates with your partners. My apologies for any duplicate messages.

New FEMA Videos in American Sign Language (captioned in English with voice-over)

Registration – Answering disability-related questions: https://youtu.be/4Whdhmawpso
Other Needs Assistance: https://youtu.be/B35t-x7k5Go
Critical Needs Assistance: https://youtu.be/8oqgEQqlT3A

Scheduling Sign Language Interpreters for a Disaster Recovery Center Visit

FEMA offers sign language interpreters upon request for survivors visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Survivors can request a sign language interpreter for a DRC visit by sending a text to the following number: 470-379-5943. Please provide as much notice as possible before your visit. With less than 24 hours’ notice, FEMA cannot guarantee an interpreter will be available. Please provide the following information in your text:

– Name
– DRC address
– Date of your visit
– Time of your visit (or a time range)
– Type of sign language requested

Normal text messaging rates apply.

DRCs also have services and technologies available to support survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. FEMA has amplified telephones, phones that display text, and amplified listening devices for people who are hard of hearing. Video Remote Interpreting is also available at DRCs for people who use sign language.

Marcy Rein, RN, MPH
Regional Disability Integration Specialist
FEMA Region 6
Deployed to DR4332-TX, Austin, TX
(202) 704-4022 (cell – talk or text)
Email: [email protected]

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