S1:08: Dispatch log — When Disaster Strikes Your Wallet and Will with Heidi Gassman

Show Notes

Emergencies don’t just test your physical readiness—they test your paperwork, too. In this episode of Code Orange, host Marty Sobo and producer Jonathan Price talk with attorney Heidi Gassman about how to prepare financially and legally before disaster strikes. Heidi explains what essential documents everyone should have—powers of attorney, medical directives, and HIPAA authorizations—and how to keep them accessible and secure. She also dives into fraud prevention, financial preparedness, and how blind and low-vision individuals can protect themselves from scams and unauthorized access. From fireproof safes to encrypted drives and verbal passwords, this conversation covers practical, no-nonsense steps for safeguarding your health, finances, and identity before crisis hits.

Contact Info
Guest:
Heidi Gassman, Attorney at Law
Robinson Waters & O’Dorisio, P.C.
📞 [phone]
🌐 rwolaw.com
Organization:
Aftersight — Supporting the blind and low-vision community
🌐 aftersight.org
📧 [e-mail]
📞 [phone]
Producer: Jonathan Price, Podcast & Program Producer at Aftersight

Show Credits
Host: Marty Sobo
Guest: Heidi Gassman, Attorney
Producer: Jonathan Price
Production: Aftersight Originals
Show: Code Orange — Emergency Preparedness for the Blind Community

Chapter Markers
00:01 — Introduction and Halloween Banter
02:16 — Guest Introduction: Attorney Heidi Gassman
03:15 — Why Financial Planning Matters in Emergencies
04:36 — Building Your Financial “Go-Bag”
06:57 — Safe vs. Portable Storage Options
08:32 — The Most Important Legal Documents
09:14 — Medical Powers of Attorney Explained
11:40 — Uploading and Sharing Your Documents
13:59 — Free and Affordable Legal Resources
16:22 — Sharing Copies and Certifications
18:45 — Advance Medical Directives and End-of-Life Planning
20:05 — Accessibility for Blind and Low-Vision Clients
21:13 — Safeguarding Documents During Travel
23:35 — Digital and Cloud-Based Document Storage
25:59 — Financial Powers of Attorney
28:20 — Fraud Prevention and Identity Protection
30:37 — Secure Passwords and Encryption
32:50 — Red Flags and Scam Awareness
35:11 — Supported Decision-Making and Trust
37:29 — Handling Family Dynamics and Boundaries
39:50 — Closing and Resources

What is Code Orange?

Code Orange is the disability-inclusive guide to emergency preparedness for the blind and low-vision community. Hosted by Marty Sobo, each episode turns fear into a plan: clear steps, practical checklists, and real-world stories from first responders, emergency managers, technologists, and blind advocates who’ve lived it. No hype—just what to do before, during, and after a crisis.

We cover evacuation and shelter-in-place, communication trees, accessible alerts, power and tech backups, mobility and wayfinding, medication and medical files, pets and service animals, travel, and community-level advocacy—so you’re not just prepared, you’re leading. Expect plain language, actionable takeaways you can use today, and links to resources you can share with family, neighbors, and local agencies.

Code Orange is an Aftersight Original.
Host: Marty Sobo
Producer: Jonathan Price
Feedback & questions: [e-mail]
Phone: [phone]