Special Needs Registry

What is the Special Needs Registry?

The South River Special Needs Registry is a voluntary service open to all citizens with disabilities who reside, attend school or are employed in South River. The registry was created to help police officers and other emergency service personnel better assist residents with special needs in the event of an emergency by providing first responders with vital information regarding a registrant’s disability, emergency contact information, a physical description and current photograph of the registrant.

Who has access to the registrant’s profile?

Information provided to the registry is strictly confidential and will only be shared with first responders during an emergency or for the purpose of planning an emergency response.

What is considered an emergency?

An emergency can best be defined as any event that may require a response, immediate or otherwise, by law enforcement or other first responders. Examples of emergencies include but are not limited to medical emergencies, natural disasters, fires, mandatory evacuations and crimes in progress.

How will the information contained in the registry help a person with special needs during an emergency?

The information contained in the registry can help in several different ways. Upon being dispatched to a residence, police dispatchers will be alerted that someone at that location is on the registry. Depending upon the type of call, the dispatcher can better assess the type of response necessary and dispatch manpower and resources accordingly. Also, police officers and/or first responder will be notified that there may be someone at the location with special needs so that they can better gauge their respective responses. In the event that a person with special needs is reported missing, first responders will have current photographs and other vital information at their fingertips that will aid in locating the missing person more expeditiously. In an emergency, time is of the essence.

How can the registrant be identified by first responders?

Each registrant will be provided with 2 window decals than can be placed near the front entrance of the registrant’s residence as well as on the window of any vehicle in which the registrant regularly travels. The presence of the decal signifies to first responders that someone in the residence or vehicle has some degree of special need, alerting them to respond accordingly. The use of the decals is voluntary.

What information is required to register someone?

There are two types of information on the registry, mandatory and non-mandatory. Mandatory information includes the registrant’s name, date of birth, physical description, address, emergency contact information, nature of disability and a current photo. Non-mandatory information includes prescribed medications, places frequented, methods of communication, calming methods, triggering conditions, doctor information and blood type. It will be up to the registrant as to how much of the non-mandatory information they wish to share.

Who is eligible to register?

The registry is open to any person who resides, attends school or is employed in South River and has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities due to a physical and/or intellectual disability.

Who can register someone?

A person can register themselves or they can be registered by a caretaker or loved one.

How do you register?

Download and complete the below form. Follow the submission instructions at the bottom.

Is there a cost involved?

No, there is no cost to register.