Recommendation Set 2: Creative Approaches – Just making it happen….
Agencies who support people with IDD’s who do not speak to communicate should have some sort of physical item in place that the person might display or have. The physical item could say the person’s name, and function like a “medic alert” bracelet/necklace that might warn first responders of medical conditions. This “item” would help the right people have access to info that could help them, even a number for someone on the outside who could help the medical staff do right by the patient.
Laminated wallet card Lanyard or dog tags Information entered into the Health App or notes on a smartphone/tablet, or the use of an emergency contact/”In case of emergency” (ICE) contact in an address book Make up a shirt, a piece of clothing, or some other wearable object that the person cannot lose that the person wears to the hospital that has instructions or important info in a discreet place so medical professionals can access it. Whatever "it” is, someone would have to ensure that they are made, others would have to make sure they are deployed/present, and then others would have to screen for them on intake at a medical facility.