Rhode Island Special Needs Registry

Rhode Island Special Needs Registry

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) and the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) have joined together to develop a registry for Rhode Islanders with disabilities, chronic conditions, and other special healthcare needs. This system is designed to identify individuals who require special assistance during emergencies. Enrollment in the Registry does not guarantee assistance but allows first responders to appropriately plan for, prepare for, and respond to the needs of the community.

Who Should Enroll

Any individual, regardless of age, who has a chronic condition, disability, special healthcare need, or may require additional assistance during a time of emergency. Some examples include people who:

  • Are visually impaired, blind, hard of hearing, or Deaf
  • Have mobility disabilities and use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane, or other mobility devices
  • Have speech, cognitive, developmental, or mental health disabilities
  • Use assistive animals or a prosthesis
  • Use life support systems such as oxygen, respirator, ventilator, dialysis, pacemaker, or are insulin-dependent

If an individual cannot complete the enrollment form themselves, a family member, caregiver, or authorized representative can enroll the individual on their behalf. While enrollment in the Registry does not guarantee assistance, it allows first responders to appropriately plan, prepare for, and respond to the needs of the community.

How Your Information Is Used

The information submitted to the Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry is shared with local and state first responders and emergency management officials. These officials utilize the information to plan for, mitigate, respond to and recover from emergencies. Additionally, HEALTH and RIEMA have worked with E-911 to notify first responders when they are responding to a household that may have someone enrolled in the Registry. This notification allows first responders additional time to consider how to best respond to that incident. Please note that strict confidentiality is maintained at all times and only those that have a reason to access the information are authorized to do so.