Disability Rights in
Shelters and in Disaster/Emergency Response

• People with disabilities cannot be denied access to shelters (shelters cannot discriminate when providing safety, comfort, or basic needs).
• Service animals are always allowed in shelters.
• You have a right to shelter-provided personal assistance services, backup power for medical devices, privacy for personal care, and accommodations for meeting disability-related needs for reduced stimulation.
• Equally effective communication must be provided such as Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), American Sign Language (ASL), materials in alternative format (Braille, large print, plain language).
• Shelters must be physically accessible. You have the right to accessible sleeping, eating, medical and recreation areas, toilets, showers, and transportation (when transportation is available to others).
• Families should never be separated at shelters.
• It is a violation of your civil rights to be directed towards a “special needs or medical shelter,” a nursing home, hospital, or other medical or psychiatric facilities. You have a right to an accessible shelter.
• Community evacuation transportation plans must include accessible options for people with mobility disabilities or limited transportation. You have a right to personal assistance/disability services and supports in an accessible community shelter, not transferred to a “special” shelter, hospital or nursing home.

Resource for accessible shelters

• The ADA and Emergency Shelters: Access for All in Emergencies and Disasters

Report Discrimination

• DHS Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Compliance Branch:
  • Call: +1 (866) 644-8360
  • TTY: 1-866-644-8361
  • Email CRCLCompliance@hq.dhs.gov

• FEMA External Civil Rights Division: 
  • Call: +1 (833) 285-7448
    • [Press 1 for English, 2 for español, 3 for other languages]
  • TTY: 800-462-7585
  • Email FEMA-CivilRightsOffice@fema.dhs.gov