On A 3 x 5 Card

Emergency Disclosure Cards

Lydia Brown, Disability Rights Advocate

I am not an autism expert, but these disclosure cards seem very useful. They also provide a glimpse into what autism is and how it is experienced.

Communication and handling social situations isn’t usually a problem for me, but what if I couldn’t communicate because of an injury or severe illness? How would I explain my physical condition? Would police, EMTs, doctors or nurses know why I have a tracheostomy, and that I need oxygen and ventilation when I sleep?

If you have a disability, what would you put on your “Emergency Disclosure Card”?

What about non-emergencies? If you had to explain your disability and related practical needs on a 3 x 5 card, what would you say?