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The Special Needs Program is for people who have certain physical or mental conditions or limitations, and need daily assistance by a caregiver or health provider for personal care (bathing, eating, walking, transportation, etc.) and/or medication administration or treatment for stable conditions are qualifying reasons for admission into a Special Needs Shelter. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
While the conditions listed above are medical qualifiers for admittance into a Special Needs Shelter, individuals should make their best effort to stay with family or friends in a structure away from the impacts of the disaster. The use of a Special Needs Shelter is primarily for individuals with special needs who:
Individuals who are not eligible for Special Needs Sheltering include the following:
For individuals unable to complete the online form, a paper form is available here.
The purpose of the Special Needs Program is to provide transportation and sheltering for Alachua County residents who have mental or physical limitations or disabilities and have no other option but to request public assistance for evacuation planning in the event of a disaster such as a hurricane.
Your agency plays a very important role in the registration process and identification of Special Needs people in the area due to the constant contact with potential clients year-round. Identify eligible clients and inform them of the availability of the Special Needs Program. Registration is online, free, voluntary and confidential. Although new clients can be added to the program at any time, we recommend that you register current clients prior to Hurricane Season to allow Emergency Management staff appropriate time for (June 1 - November 30).