Every Hurricane Ian survivor deserves access to programs that can help them begin recovery. FEMA has taken steps to ensure this access.
FEMA Speaks Your Language
Èd Endividyèl FEMA Ka Ede Ou Rekipere. That’s Haitian Creole for “FEMA Individual Assistance can help you recover.” Creole is one of many languages spoken by Florida survivors of Hurricane Ian. FEMA is distributing written information in German, Haitian Creole, Korean, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese and English.
We have interpreters skilled in American Sign Language (ASL) ready to assist when needed.
When you call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to apply for FEMA assistance or request information press “2” for Spanish; press “3” for other languages. The lines are open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
Let FEMA Know Your Needs
A disaster can take away important items that enable people with disabilities to live independently or to communicate. These include a wheelchair, scooter, walker, CPAP machine, hearing aids, eyeglasses, screen reader or other assistive medical device. Let FEMA know if you have an accessibility need.
Applicants who go to a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be able to meet with specialists who can help them apply for disaster assistance and provide other information. FEMA specialists use assistive technology to serve those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Specialists can connect you with an ASL interpreter through VRI to help complete your disaster assistance application or schedule an appointment for an in-person ASL interpreter.
How Apply to FEMA
Applicants can also request accommodations when they call the FEMA Helpline. If you use a video relay service, give FEMA the number for that service.