MI-SNAP: Michigan Special Needs Awareness Program

The Michigan Special Needs Awareness Program, MI-SNAP, is a safety and  emergency preparedness system designed to provide important information to emergency response teams across multiple departments regarding individuals with special needs. When 911 is called, it is essential that EMS, fire and police agencies have all vital information about individuals with special needs who live where an emergency has happened. In addition to physical disabilities, these special needs may also include cognitive disabilities such as the inability to speak, walk or understand commands in an emergency situation. To ensure the safety of both our first responders and people within our community, it’s imperative we share information. MI-SNAP allows you to inform emergency response units about any members of your household who have disabilities. The goal of the program is to assist 911 dispatchers and first responders to better serve your household during emergencies. Ultimately, this shared information can help make emergent situations safer for your household and for those responding to your call.

Example Situation:

A 6′ tall, 300 lb man not following police commands may be perceived as a threat or danger to police responding to an emergency; however if the man were non-verbal and on the Autism spectrum, he may have no understanding of the instructions. If the officers involved were aware of this person with special needs prior to arriving at the emergency site, it would change their response to the situation. This simple sharing of information could greatly increase the safety of everyone involved.