Raising Awareness: PG&E’s Disability Support Services for Families in Need

A few weeks ago, we lost power for just under two hours during a thunderstorm. For most families, this might mean some candles, a game of cards, and paying closer attention to the battery level on your devices. Thankfully, the power outage happened when everyone was asleep, but it could just as easily have caused panic and chaos in our house.

We have a daughter on the autism spectrum, and like many families with neurodiverse children, our lives are built on the foundation of routines, predictability, and safe spaces. When that rhythm is suddenly disrupted — whether due to a change in schedule, sensory overload, or something like a power outage — it’s not just inconvenient; it can be overwhelming and even traumatic. While every household should be prepared for a potential power outage, health and safety can be on the line for people with disabilities.

Do you have a plan in place if the power suddenly goes out? I’m not talking about the “light a candle and wait it out” kind of preparation, either. If you’d asked me a few months ago, I would have shrugged and said something like, “We’d figure it out,” but I can tell you now with certainty that we wouldn’t have known what to do.

This experience got my husband and I thinking about how we can prepare. Our daughter relies on certain comforts and tools to feel secure, some of which are powered by electricity. Without access to these items, she would become distressed. This brief power outage revealed just how vital a backup plan is.

This incident motivated my husband and I to start exploring our options. In this process, we found PG&E’s resources for vulnerable families like ours. I was honestly surprised at how much help they offer. PG&E has dedicated programs for people like us, and support isn't limited to those with medical, developmental, or mobility needs.

Their support also extends to individuals with limited English proficiency, older adults, pregnant people, and other vulnerable groups. Their resources are more than just general advice; it’s all practical, thoughtful support designed with real people in mind.

Here are a few programs I learned about that every caregiver should know:

Self-Identified Vulnerable Program
First, PG&E has a Self-Identified Vulnerable Program (SIV) for customers that need extra support during a power outage. This program can be a lifeline for families like ours because it ensures enrollees receive additional notice before power is shut off and proactive support during any Public Safety Power Shutoffs. Depending on what our household needs, the program can also provide access to additional resources. This added layer of communication and support took a massive weight off my shoulders.

211
From there, we found 211 via PG&E's website. It's a free, personalized service that connects people with local resources, including emergency shelters, food, and transportation with just a quick phone call. It’s available 24/7 in over 150 languages, and offers additional support before, during, and after an emergency.

For us, building an emergency plan felt intimidating and a little overwhelming, but getting in contact with 211 allowed us to develop a plan that eased our anxiety and will actually work for our family when the time comes.

Disability Disaster Access & Resources (DDAR) PG&E also partners with Disability Disaster Access & Resources (DDAR) to provide additional support during extended outages that goes beyond their routine services. For example, they can help with food replacement if your fridge loses power, accessible transportation, and even hotel accommodations during longer outages. These services are compassionate and help foster independence among those we love.

For families like ours, “getting through” or winging an emergency isn’t enough. Our goal is to help our daughter survive and thrive, even when things get unpredictable. Knowing there are tools and programs to support her sense of stability and emotional well-being in a world that often isn’t built with her in mind means everything.

If you’re reading this and you have a child or family member with a disability or any other condition that adds a few more layers of complexity to your daily life, I urge you to create your emergency preparedness plan today. These small, intentional steps build resilience in us as caregivers and for our kids too.

I wish we had started sooner, but I’m grateful we can do it now before an emergency happens. I hope that this inspires other families to begin planning, too. There’s no cost to look and no downside to being more informed. Because at the end of the day, being prepared isn’t just about getting through an emergency, it’s about giving our children (and ourselves) the stability to thrive, no matter what life throws our way. Visit pge.com/afn to get started. 

About the author

Ashley Lewis is a proud mother of four who shares an authentic look into family life, marriage, and the joys and challenges of parenting children on the autism spectrum. With a focus on creating relatable, heart-centered content, she connects with families navigating everyday ups and downs while celebrating meaningful milestones.