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This page has not been translated into Español. Visit the Español page for resources in that language.

Auxiliary Aids and Services

Auxiliary aids are ways to provide effective communication for people with disabilities. Disaster survivors may request auxiliary aids and services when applying for disaster assistance.

Auxiliary Aids and Services include:

  • Accessibility features in electronic documents and other electronic and information technology that is accessible (either independently or through assistive technology, such as screen readers, speech-to-text programs, and text-to-speech programs).
  • Assistive listening systems and devices.
  • Computer Aided Real-time Translation (CART).
  • Documents in large print or electronic formats.
  • Laptop magnification software, screen reader software, and optical readers.
  • Microsoft Teams captioning.  
  • Qualified readers.
  • Sign language interpreters (on-site or video remote).
  • Videophones.

How to Request Auxiliary Aids and Services

Disaster survivors may request auxiliary aids and services when applying for disaster assistance. Disaster survivors may also request reasonable modifications.

  • During the application process, you can report a disability that requires additional support to interact with FEMA staff or access FEMA programs.  
  • If you or anyone in your household needs auxiliary aids and services, answer “yes” to the appropriate questions when completing the application for FEMA disaster assistance. 

File a Complaint

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If you believe that you or someone you know has been discriminated against, you may  file a civil rights complaint by calling the FEMA OCR Civil Rights Resource Line at (833) 285-7448; or email FEMA-OCR-ECRD@fema.dhs.gov.

When a person with a disability believes they were subjected to discrimination, including a wrongful denial of a request for auxiliary aids and services, they may file a complaint with FEMA Office of Civil Rights. 

Contact Us

If you have any questions, call FEMA’s Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.