Accessibility resources

Contacting NSW SES using the National Relay Service

The National Relay Service is a free and confidential service that provides a range of different types of call services, depending on your needs and preferences.

Relay Officers are specially trained staff who help with every call. Relay Officers will:

• Change voice to text or text to voice
• Change Auslan to English or English to Auslan
• Stay on the line throughout the call to help you, without getting in the way or changing what is said.

You can make Video Relay calls between 7am to 6pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time) Monday to Friday and 8am to 12pm Saturday. Video Relay calls are not available on national public holidays. 

View or download step-by-step instructions below on how to make emergency services call using different NRS call options. For more information, visit the How to make an emergency call using the NRS website.

To contact NSW SES:

Low or no vision

People with low or no vision may be more susceptible to flood, storm and tsunami impacts. It is crucial to support people in being prepared for, responding to, and recovering from natural disasters.

Identifying a support person or carer who can assist with preparation plans can greatly increase people's resilience and help them recover faster.

If you care for a person with limited or no vision, they may need assistance planning for and acting in emergencies.

Examples of supporting vision-impaired people can include:

• Listing out loud the actions to be taken in emergency situations.
• Listen to Emergency Services and local media for information, updates and advice.
• Identify a support person who will be responsible for assisting an individual if there is a flood, storm or tsunami.
• Have contact numbers and plans converted to Braille or audio.
• Emergency plans include assistance animals.

NSW Braille Services

Visit The Flagstaff Group for braille services.

Physical disability and mobility issues

People living with physical disabilities or mobility issues are highly vulnerable during natural disasters. These individuals may be more susceptible to the impacts of flood, storm and tsunami.

If you are living with a physical disability, some of the factors to consider when planning for emergencies are:

• Mobility support equipment: how equipment will be moved, what needs to be taken, who will help you evacuate, etc.
• Develop a plan that suits you. Enlist the help of a support person if needed. Person-centred planning considers the broader contexts of people who may require further assistance when planning for emergencies (a link to variations of these plans is in the additional information section on this page).
• Set up a support network of people who can assist you during an emergency. It is important that your network understands your plan and their roles if required.
• If you rely on any life-sustaining equipment, develop an emergency backup plan to ensure the equipment works in the event of a power outage, or transport and mobility of equipment is included in any emergency planning.
• There may be instances where you may need to leave equipment, such as wheelchairs, behind to evacuate safely. Have a plan if this is the case.

Intellectual disability and mental health conditions

People with intellectual disabilities or mental health conditions are more likely to need additional support when preparing for flood, storm, and tsunami.

People can react differently to and in emergency situations. Be aware of how you approach, speak with and treat people during flood, storm and tsunami.

If you care for a person with an intellectual disability or mental health condition, they may need assistance in planning as well as putting that plan into action when emergencies happen.

Things to consider are:

• Emergency plans need to be tailored to the individual. Work with the person to develop an emergency plan that suits them. No two plans are the same.
• Support individuals in the preparation, response, and recovery stages of emergencies. Consider Easy Read checklists for individuals with little or no literacy. Imagery can sometimes help.
• Consider emotional triggers that can arise with emergency planning and provide emotional support where needed. Seek professional help if required.
• Identify a support person or carer who can assist in planning for emergencies and people who can assist during storms. Have a contingency plan if these people are not available.

Additional services

Person Centred Emergency Preparedness (P-CEP)

P-CEP puts people and their support needs at the centre of disability inclusive emergency planning.

Steps include:

EMBER by The Flagstaff Group

EMBER has a range of tools to help individuals living with intellectual disability, mental health conditions and neurodiverse needs plan and prepare. Communication Boards, Checklists, Braille resources and Non-verbal Communication Apps are available. 

Carers NSW

Carers NSW has a suite of resources for individuals who care for others. Evacuation Plan, Evacuation Checklist, Emergency Kit Checklist and Emergency Care Plans are available for use. 

Australian Red Cross

The NSW Red Cross has a suite of resources available that cover:

• Resources for Deaf and Blind People
• Auslan Resources
• RediPlan Easy Read Checklist
• Chronic Illness Checklists