HARBR App Launching Soon to Support Developmentally Disabled Individuals in Emergencies

In early 2025, devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles, displacing over 200,000 families. But for some, evacuation never came.

Rory Sykes, a 32-year-old who was born blind and had cerebral palsy, lost his life in a burning cottage before firefighters could reach him. In Altadena, 67-year-old Anthony Mitchell Sr., a wheelchair-dependent amputee, died alongside his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy, while they waited in vain for emergency services to assist in their evacuation.

These tragic losses highlighted a critical gap in emergency response: individuals with developmental disabilities often lack access to the tools and support needed to stay safe and connected during a crisis.

For us at Kidisthenics Fitness Company, these events were a turning point.

We had already been in the process of developing a mobile app – one originally intended to offer clients access to our movement-based self-regulation tools. The aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires compelled us to expand our vision for the app, focusing not just on regulation, but on safety and advocacy in times of emergency.

That’s when the vision for HARBR was born.

An Emergency Tool Designed with the Developmentally Disabled Community in Mind

Developed with input from California’s Regional Center system, HARBR is an emergency-response communication app designed to ensure no developmentally disabled individual is left without support or a voice during a crisis.

Natural disasters can be uniquely destabilizing for this community – not only physically, but emotionally and neurologically. Evacuations, overstimulating environments and sudden changes in routine can trigger severe stress, emotional dysregulation, or shutdowns – making it harder for individuals to respond to their environment or communicate their needs. HARBR was created to change that.

We plan to launch the app on the iOS App Store in the coming weeks, with an initial rollout across California and plans to expand nationwide by early 2026.

What HARBR Will Offer

Once launched, HARBR will offer users a streamlined, accessible way to stay connected and advocate for their needs during moments of crisis.

Upon downloading the app, users will be prompted to create a secure account by entering basic information: email, password, full name, and Regional Center affiliation. If they are a California Regional Center client, they’ll also have the option to input their service coordinator’s name, which can be added or updated anytime in profile settings.

From there, users can access a complete list of California Regional Centers. If a service coordinator’s name was entered, their affiliated center will appear pinned at the top. Selecting any center reveals which counties it serves, enables direct calling to the front desk or emergency services coordinator (with built-in TTY support), and allows users to navigate to the location using Apple or Google Maps.

At the heart of HARBR is a powerful tool: customizable communication cards that offer a nonverbal way for users to express themselves. Using a simple tap, drag, and scale interface, individuals can build up to six personalized cards, each with an emoji and caption representing important information – such as dietary or medical needs, emotional states, or sensory preferences.

Demo of HARBR's communication card feature.

These cards are designed to support communication during high-stress moments, such as evacuations, shelter transitions, or periods of overstimulation. With just a few taps, users can clearly communicate their needs to first responders, shelter staff, or community members – especially when verbal communication may be difficult.

All communication cards are stored offline, ensuring they remain accessible even without internet access – a critical feature during natural disasters. If someone is displaced, separated from their primary device, or unable to charge their phone, they can still log in from any available device and access their communication toolkit. This cross-device functionality ensures continuity of support, no matter the circumstances.

An in-app “About Us” page will also connect users to the Kidisthenics team and offer direct access to our movement-based stress relief tools and service request forms, extending support beyond the emergency.

What's Next

We’re committed to ensuring HARBR evolves with the needs of its users. Future updates will include:

• A library of stress-relieving movement exercises to promote regulation in overstimulating environments

• Educational content on how to prepare for natural disasters

• Live alerts on natural disasters in the user’s area to provide timely information and support decision-making during emergencies

With HARBR, we’re not just creating an app, we’re building a safeguard. In moments where everything feels out of control, HARBR will be a voice and a sense of agency for individuals who often find themselves misunderstood or overlooked in moments of chaos.

To be notified when HARBR officially launches, fill out our interest form here.

Stay connected as we continue building tools for safety, self-advocacy, and support. Follow along on Instagram at harbr.app for the latest updates, tips, and launch news.

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