Natural Disasters

Resources for those with unique needs

SAMHSA DBHIS Resources in Languages Other Than English: The SAMHSA Disaster Behavioral Health Information Series (DBHIS) features more than 150 high-quality disaster behavioral health resources in 30 languages other than English. These resources include tip sheets, checklists, videos, children’s books, and more. 

DEIA in Disaster Behavioral Health, Episode 3 Podcast: In this episode of a season of the SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC) podcast focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in disaster behavioral health, SAMHSA DTAC talked with an expert in the field about best practices for meeting public communication needs during disaster response, with a particular focus on needs of the Deaf and hard of hearing communities. The conversation covers assessing language needs, working with interpreters, and how working with specific language communities can benefit the whole disaster-affected population. 

People With Access and Functional Needs: This SAMHSA DTAC web page offers tips to help disaster planners develop and implement programs that serve people with access and functional needs including hearing or speech disabilities, as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tips focus on developing accessible materials, working with organizations that serve people with disabilities in your area, and securing interpreter services. 

Addressing the Access and Functional Needs of At-Risk Individuals: Cultural Competency and Limited English Proficiency:  At this web page, the Administration for StrategicPreparedness & Response (ASPR) provides resources for a range of populations with needs that are different from those of the full population in relation to disasters, including people with limited English proficiency. Resources include a fact sheet and resource collection about cultural and linguistic competency in disaster programs, a cultural competency training program for disaster and emergency managers, and a checklist to help you ensure language access and effective communication in disaster programs. A Spanish version of the checklist is also available.