Ensuring the safety of children and adults with disabilities is a responsibility that extends beyond the home. It requires an understanding of specific needs, challenges and abilities, in addition to proactive planning and awareness of surroundings. Mobility limitations, sensory sensitivities and difficulty communicating needs increase vulnerability. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, teacher or healthcare provider, there are several things you can do to help keep individuals with disabilities safe at home, school and around the community. Here are key strategies to creating a safe environment while fostering independence.
Physical Safety
At home: Make sure your home meets the unique needs of the people living there or visiting.
- Remove obstacles: Ensure there are no tripping hazards like loose rugs or clutter. If a resident or visitor uses a wheelchair or walker, create wide, clear pathways.
- Install safety features: For individuals who tend to wander, consider installing security on doors and windows. Adding simple bells to exterior doors will notify you if someone leaves the house.
- Secure potentially dangerous items: Store cleaning products, medications and sharp objects out of reach or in locked cabinets. Even some adults with developmental disabilities do not understand the dangers of these items.
- Emergency preparedness: For individuals who may not respond to alarms due to sensory sensitivities or cognitive challenges, consider using visual or vibrating alarms.
Away from home: Consistent supervision of children and adults with disabilities is key to ensuring safety, but supervision should be balanced with respect for independence, when possible.
- Tracking: Many caregivers rely on wearable devices that track location and provide emergency communication. GPS trackers such as AngelSense and medical alert systems are crucial for individuals who may wander or become disoriented. These tools are particularly helpful for people who have difficulty verbalizing when they are in danger.
- Clear communication: Ensure your loved one understands safety rules in simple and clear language, such as who a stranger is. Roleplay scenarios in a non-frightening way, and review each time you go out until the action (or reaction) is consistent. For children, visual aids like safety charts or symbols can be effective. For nonverbal adults, consider using devices that allow them to express needs and concerns. The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office encourages parents to teach children to look for police officers in uniform or store clerks if they need help.
- Create a safety routine: Establish a set routine with check-ins. This helps individuals know what to expect and reduces anxiety, which can lead to risky behavior if they are confused.
“I place an Apple AirTag inside a small zippered pouch of the backpack that goes everywhere with my son, who has Autism,” says Kim Novak. “The best feature is that it's accurate and I know where he is when he’s on community outings. It's nice to know if he and the driver are stuck in traffic.”
Emotional and Social Safety
Participation in community activities is essential for mental health and social inclusion, but it’s crucial to ensure that environments are safe and proper support is in place.
- Know the environment: Be aware of potential hazards on outings. Know where emergency exits are, where a quiet space is and designate a meeting spot.
- Ask about social stories: Before visiting a new place, check if they have a social story. These short narratives use simple language and visuals to explain social situations and expectations. Many locations, such as Rady Children’s Hospital and San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, offer social stories to help prepare visitors.
- Prepare for sensory overload: Places like malls, restaurants, events and schools may be difficult for those with sensory processing challenges. Bring noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses or fidget toys to help cope with overwhelming stimuli.
Emergency Preparedness
Emergencies can happen anywhere, so it’s vital that anyone responsible for a person with disabilities knows how to respond.
- Identification: A primary goal for a person with disabilities is to know their full name, home address and caregiver’s phone number. In addition, a medical alert bracelet or necklace provides vital information to first responders in stressful situations when a person's behavior or presentation of symptoms can easily be misinterpreted by police or the public. “We use lanyards with cards that detail the individual's diagnosis, emergency contact info and the current caregiver's number," says Larry Canepe, service provider at B.R.I.D.G.E.S. day program. This simple tool helps with communication gaps and safety.
- CPR and first aid training: Caregivers, family members and teachers should be trained in basic CPR and first aid. Understanding how to respond in case of emergencies can be life-saving.
- Seizure protocol: If your loved one experiences seizures, have a clear protocol in place. This includes knowing when to intervene, how to provide care and when/how to administer medications.
- Fire safety plans: People with disabilities may have difficulty evacuating in an emergency. It’s crucial to have an individualized evacuation plan. Practice fire drills and ensure that all caregivers know how to safely evacuate.
- Maintaining independence: Tailor safety plans to an individual’s needs and abilities. Independence is a key part of leading a fulfilling life, but it also requires thoughtful planning around potential risks.
- Everyday travel bag: Essentials for an everyday bag include photo of loved one for identification, lanyard with important information, fidget, notepad, pen, conservatorship papers and enough medication for 24 hours.
Advocating for Rights and Resources
Keeping people safe is not just about protection, but also about advocating for the rights and access to necessary resources. Be familiar with laws that protect individuals with disabilities, especially in public spaces, schools and workplaces. This includes accessibility, non-discrimination and reasonable accommodations.
Safety requires proactive planning and awareness for individuals with disabilities. By creating a safe home and community we can provide a supportive environment that allows people with disabilities to thrive with dignity.
Safety Resources
The Take Me Home Registry is a program of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office that helps individuals at risk of getting lost return home safely. Enroll in Take Me Home free of charge at www.sdsheriff.gov/community/take-me-home-registry.
The Blue Envelope program (also free) helps emergency personnel to identify those with a condition or disability who require special accommodations during a law enforcement interaction (including traffic stops). Pick up Blue Envelope materials at your local San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, including lanyards, key chains, seatbelt covers and bracelets. www.sdsheriff.gov/community/blue-envelope
GET SAFE offers training sessions for people with disabilities. Services are available for groups or individuals and may be offered through the San Diego Regional Center. www.getsafeusa.com/training-services-for-people-with-disabilitie
AngelSense is assistive technology designed specifically for people with disabilities. Discover wearables for various ages and disabilities. www.angelsense.com
See the Safety section of Flourishing Families for more info about these and other safety resources.
Linda St. Angelo Burritt is an educator, resource specialist and local mother of two, one of whom has multiple disabilities.
