5.5. Populations with special needs

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  • Persons with communication disabilities: Make sure that they have adequate access to the information and instructions relating to the emergency and to assistance.
  • Persons with impaired physical mobility: Ensure the conditions needed for them to have the necessary access and receive the support they need to move.
  • Persons with special medical needs: Identify the specific type of medical care required and arrange for it.
  • Persons with developmental or cognitive disabilities: Provide support and orientation so that they reach safety and gain access to assistance. Consult the Handicap International guidelines for more information about persons with disabilities, including moving, hearing, seeing, communicating and/or learning
  • Persons with chronic diseases: Ensure a supply of the essential drugs on which their health and lives depend.
  • Pregnant women: Ensure health care, nutrition, and access to services for pregnant women in emergencies, not neglecting post-delivery needs.
  • Young children and adolescents: Ensure that the special needs of infants are met (health, feeding, protection, safety, access to services, and mental health.
  • Older adults: Identify the special needs and limitations that they may have, and support them in gaining access to safety and assistance. Consult the PAHO/WHO guidelines on mainstreaming the needs of older persons in disaster situations in the Caribbean.