How ABA May Support an Emergency Contact and Communication Card

Choose the card's purpose and audience

A wallet card, device note, backpack card, or household copy may serve different people. Identify who may see it and which situation it supports. Include only information needed for that purpose, such as name, chosen contacts, meeting place, communication method, and a brief access instruction.

Build it from a larger plan

The Ready.gov family communication plan includes household contacts, an out-of-town contact, meeting places, and school, childcare, caregiver, and workplace plans. It also addresses relay access for household members who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability.

Keep records and backups secure

The Ready.gov Emergency Financial First Aid Kit provides a broader structure for household, contact, document, and financial information. Store sensitive details outside the small card when they are not needed. Keep an accessible backup when the device or wallet is unavailable.

Preserve communication and emergency action

Include the person's reliable speech, sign, writing, relay, AAC, or other method and needed partner response. ASHA guidance supports ongoing AAC access. The National 911 Program FAQ explains current U.S. 911 access basics; use local emergency instructions outside its scope.

A practical example

Mateo reviews six card fields with his chosen supporter. Five are current; the out-of-town contact has changed numbers. Initial field accuracy is 5 of 6. After the contact confirms the new number, the wallet, device, and household copies receive the same revision date.

Questions families can use

Ask what the card is for, which contacts are chosen, which communication method must appear, what stays private, where backups live, how emergency services are reached, and when every copy is reviewed. ABA emergency contact card skills should support access without turning the card into a public health record.