Special Needs Registry

The Special Needs Registry is a volunteer registry of information by those with a mental or physical disability that would be helpful for emergency personnel to know when responding to a crisis.

How Do I Register?

How Registry Information is Used

Information appears on the 911 operator's screen when an emergency call is made from the home, so the operator can alert emergency response personnel to the needs of that person.

All information provided through the registry is shared with local, county, state and federal agencies for the purposes of emergency planning or emergency response. The county will make every effort to respect privacy and confidentiality while providing for the needs of the people involved.

Who Can Use the Registry?

Anyone who requires additional assistance during a police, fire or medical emergency and lives in their own home/apartment.

  • If the person with special needs is unable to submit the information, a person who is authorized to act on his/her behalf may do so (guardian, power of attorney, etc.).
  • If you are in a nursing home, hospital or independent living facility, you do not need to register

Providing this information does not guarantee that the person will receive immediate or special aid in an emergency or disaster.

  • You should always have your own emergency plan in place.
  • Be aware that your municipality may not be able to accommodate specific needs, but may be able to make a reasonable accommodation.

Examples of Special Needs

Any physical, mental, sensory or intellectual disability including:

  • Autism
  • Deaf/Hearing Impaired
  • Blind/Visual Impairment
  • Physically Disability/Mobility Impairment

Note: You will need to disclose health information on the registration form.

Updates and Renewals

Updates

If previously submitted information ever changes, be sure to update your Special Needs Registration. 

Online Update Form

Renewals

Special Needs Registrations need to be renewed every year.  This information is vitally important and must consistently be kept reviewed, updated and renewed.  If a registration is not renewed, it will expire by the second year and be removed from the system. 

Renewing is simple! 
  1. By Email
    If you supplied an email address, just reply to the annual email notification when it is received. You may also email  ACESSpecialNeeds@alleghenycounty.us.

     
    OR

  2. By Mail
    Mail any changes to:
    (You must include your address so we can match your update in our system.)

    Emergency Services / Special Needs Registry
    150 Hookstown Grade Road
    Pittsburgh, PA 15108

    OR

  3. By Phone
    Call Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm:

    Phone: 412-473-1000
    TTY/TDD: 412-473-3056

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