🌍 How to Use This Guide
Print & Laminate: Cut out phrases and laminate them as credit card-sized communication cards for easy carrying.
Digital Backup: Save photos of these phrases on your phone for backup.
Point & Show: Simply point to the phrase you need to communicate your accessibility requirements.
🚨 Universal Emergency Phrases
I need help
AYUDA (Spanish)
ah-YOO-dah
Call emergency/911
URGENCE (French)
oor-ZHAHNSS
Medical emergency
NOTFALL (German)
NOHT-fahl
Hospital
病院 (Japanese)
byōin
Spanish (Español)
🇪🇸 🇲🇽
I use a wheelchair
Uso una silla de ruedas
OO-so OO-na SEE-ya deh ROO-eh-das
I need assistance
Necesito ayuda
neh-seh-SEE-to ah-YOO-dah
Where is the accessible bathroom?
¿Dónde está el baño accesible?
DOHN-deh eh-STA el BAH-nyo ak-seh-SEE-bleh
I am deaf
Soy sordo/sorda
soy SOR-do/SOR-da
Elevator
Ascensor
ah-sen-SOR
This is my service dog
Este es mi perro de servicio
EH-steh es mee PEH-ro deh ser-VEE-syo
French (Français)
🇫🇷 🇨🇦
I use a wheelchair
J'utilise un fauteuil roulant
zhoo-tee-LEEZ uhn fo-TOY roo-LAHN
I need help
J'ai besoin d'aide
zhay beh-ZWAHN DEHD
Where are accessible toilets?
Où sont les toilettes accessibles?
oo sohn lay twa-LEHT ak-seh-SEEBL
I am hard of hearing
Je suis malentendant(e)
zhuh swee mah-lahn-tahn-DAHN(T)
Elevator
Ascenseur
ah-sahn-SUR
Service animal
Animal de service
ah-nee-MAHL duh ser-VEES
German (Deutsch)
🇩🇪 🇦🇹
I use a wheelchair
Ich benutze einen Rollstuhl
ikh beh-NUT-tseh I-nen ROL-shtool
I need help
Ich brauche Hilfe
ikh BROW-kheh HIL-feh
Where is the accessible restroom?
Wo ist die behindertengerechte Toilette?
vo ist dee beh-HIN-der-ten-geh-rekh-teh toy-LEH-teh
I am blind
Ich bin blind
ikh bin BLINT
Elevator
Aufzug
OWF-tsook
Assistance dog
Assistenzhund
ah-sis-TENTS-hoont
Italian (Italiano)
🇮🇹
I use a wheelchair
Uso una sedia a rotelle
OO-zo OO-na SEH-dya ah ro-TEH-leh
I need help
Ho bisogno di aiuto
oh bee-ZO-nyo dee ah-YOO-to
Accessible bathroom
Bagno accessibile
BAH-nyo ak-ches-SEE-bee-leh
I cannot hear well
Non sento bene
nohn SEN-to BEH-neh
Elevator
Ascensore
ah-shen-SO-reh
Guide dog
Cane guida
KAH-neh GWEE-da
Japanese (日本語)
🇯🇵
I use a wheelchair
車椅子を使っています
kurumaisu wo tsukatte imasu
Please help me
助けてください
tasukete kudasai
Where is accessible toilet?
多目的トイレはどこですか？
tamokuteki toire wa doko desu ka?
I cannot see
見えません
miemasen
♿ Universal Accessibility Symbols
These symbols are recognized worldwide and can help communicate your needs without language barriers.
✂️ DIY Communication Cards
Instructions:
1. Print this document in color
2. Cut out individual phrase cards along dotted lines
3. Laminate each card (credit card size works best)
4. Keep cards in wallet or attach to lanyard
5. Point to appropriate phrase when needed
💡 Travel Communication Tips
Backup Digital Copies: Store photos of these cards on your phone in case you lose the physical cards.
Local Emergency Numbers: Research destination emergency numbers (many countries don't use 911).
Translation Apps: Apps like Google Translate can supplement these cards for complex conversations.
Hotel Business Cards: Always carry your hotel's business card with address in local language.
Embassy Information: Keep US Embassy/Consulate contact information for your destination.
🆘 Critical Emergency Information
My emergency contact
CONTACTO DE EMERGENCIA
Write contact info on back of card
I have diabetes
DIABÈTE / DIABETES / DIABETES
Include medical ID if needed
I take medication
TOMO MEDICAMENTOS
Keep medication list with you
Call my doctor
APPELER MÉDECIN
Include doctor's international number
📞 International Emergency Numbers
European Union
112
Universal emergency number
United Kingdom
999
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Australia
000
Police, Fire, Ambulance
Japan
119
Fire/Ambulance (110 for Police)
About This Guide
This communication guide compiles essential accessibility phrases from international travel resources and disability organizations. The pronunciations are simplified for English speakers and may vary by region.
Important: These cards supplement but don't replace proper travel documentation, medical identification, or emergency planning.
Provided by AccessibleAmerica.org - Your trusted source for accessible travel information and resources across the United States.