Keep the information that helps.

Today Photo quick check

One current, clear full-body photo is enough. A phone picture before a busy outing can show face, hairstyle, clothes, shoes, coat and a commonly carried item. Update when appearance changes.

• ☐ Clear face and full body in good light
• ☐ Current outfit and shoes visible
• ☐ Easy for a trusted caregiver to find on the phone

Open the approved Today Photo infographic

First Responder Information Sheet

Share only with people who need it. Update the photo and contacts regularly.

Name Preferred name Photo date

Emergency contact / phone Backup contact / phone

Communication and AAC How to approach / processing time

Sensory triggers and calming supports Wandering history, water attraction, likely places

Medical alerts, medication, allergies Identification or tracker details

Read the full First Responders guide

Emergency Care Sheet / Caregiver Emergency Plan

Primary caregiver / phone Backup caregiver / phone Pickup authorization / school contact

Doctors / therapists / insurance details Medication, allergies and pharmacy Communication, AAC and helpful phrases Food, toileting and sleep routine Sensory, calming and safety plan Transportation, keys, supplies, pets

☐ Confirm each caregiver agrees. ☐ Share secure access. ☐ Revisit after any major change.

School Transportation Problem Log

Date Route Bus company

Scheduled pickup Actual pickup Scheduled drop-off Actual drop-off

Total delay Bus company contacted School contacted Person spoken to

Therapy, appointment, respite or work affected Notes and follow-up

Open the existing transportation guide and digital log

Insurance Denial Checklist

Service or item Plan and claim/reference number Denial date Appeal deadline

• ☐ Obtain written denial and reason.
• ☐ Check plan type, benefit and appeal instructions.
• ☐ Request provider letter and supporting records.
• ☐ File internal appeal by deadline; keep copies and confirmation.
• ☐ Ask about external review or Medicaid Managed Care process if eligible.

Calls, names, next step

Open the NY/NJ insurance guide

Hospital / ER Preparation & Communication Sheet

Name and contact Communication/AAC method What the person is like when well How pain or fear may show up Medication and allergies Sensory triggers, calming strategies, comfort item Specialists, insurance, caregiver presence needs

For surgery: ☐ Ask about pre-op tour / child life. ☐ Clarify fasting, medication and anesthesia with clinical team. ☐ Request written discharge instructions.

Adult Transition Checklist & Dashboard

This is a flexible conversation guide, not a rigid age rule.

• ☐ Healthcare: adult providers, consent and records
• ☐ Benefits: SSI, Medicaid and work incentives
• ☐ Decision-making: preferences and needed supports
• ☐ Work / vocational support or meaningful daytime options
• ☐ Housing and transportation
• ☐ Money skills and protection from exploitation
• ☐ Social life, safety and emergency plan
• ☐ Long-term planning and future caregivers

Next three calls or applications

Open dashboard

What Changes at 18 Checklist

• ☐ Discuss medical consent and healthcare privacy.
• ☐ Ask how adult and school records will be shared.
• ☐ Review benefits and adult service applications in NY or NJ.
• ☐ Explore supported decision-making and other legal tools individually.
• ☐ Identify adult healthcare, vocational support, transportation and housing plans.
• ☐ Update emergency contacts and backup care.

Local agency / adviser / next date

Read NY/NJ guide

Medication Sheet

Name / date updated Allergies Pharmacy / phone

Medication, dose, timing, purpose and prescriber Refill date and storage/refrigeration School or program authorization / travel supply Changes, side effects or questions for prescriber

Confirm dosing with the prescribing clinician. This sheet does not replace medical instructions.

Disaster Go-Bag Checklist

• ☐ Current medication list and emergency supply plan
• ☐ Medical summary, allergies, insurance and emergency contacts
• ☐ ID, current photo and communication card
• ☐ AAC/GPS devices, chargers, backup batteries
• ☐ Safe foods, water, hygiene/continence supplies
• ☐ Headphones, sensory and comfort items
• ☐ Transportation and backup caregiver plan
• ☐ Pet/service animal needs

Evacuation destination / meeting point

When I’m No Longer Here Checklist

• ☐ Identify successor caregivers and emergency contacts.
• ☐ Document routines, wishes and quality-of-life priorities in a Letter of Intent.
• ☐ Review housing, transportation, benefits and service continuity.
• ☐ Review wills, beneficiaries, ABLE and trust planning with qualified advisers.
• ☐ Separate financial oversight from direct care where possible.
• ☐ Arrange independent advocacy, regular outside contact and account review.
• ☐ Set dates for plan review and caregiver replacement if needed.

Next person to contact

Read the future-planning guide