“Access and Functional Needs” is a phrase and framework that promotes inclusive emergency preparedness and response. Instead of labeling “vulnerable populations” or “special needs,” the access and functional needs approach identifies five areas that everyone needs to be able to get (access) or do (function) in emergencies, regardless of who we are. Integrating access & functional needs means ensuring our emergency systems support the different ways that Colorado populations achieve these five needs.
C-MIST is a memory tool to remember these access & functional needs areas:
Communication
Maintaining health
Independence
Support, Safety, and Self-determination
Transportation
Access and Functional Needs Flyer, CO Dept. of Homeland Security (English Version)
Personal Emergency Preparedness Workbook, prepared by The Independence Center
Topic Collection: Populations with Access and Functional Needs, ASPR/TRACIE
ADA National Network Learning Session, Emergency Management and Preparedness: Including People with Disabilities, “The Realities of Emergency Management: Understanding our Realities and How They Impact Inclusive Emergency Management”
Community Inclusion in Colorado: Resources and Maps (Accessed November 26, 2024.)
People With Access and Functional Needs Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Learn more about how to work effectively with community members with access and functional needs before, during, and after a disaster. (Accessed November 26, 2024.)
Recorded Training Sessions from the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management:
- Language Inclusion in Emergency Management Part 1
- Language Inclusion in Emergency Management Part 2
- Access and Functional Needs Video: What is Access and Functional Needs and Why Is It Important?
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, the only U.S. disability-led, 501(c)(3) organization that prioritizes equity, access, disability rights, disability justice, and full inclusion of people with disabilities, older adults, and people with access and functional needs before, during and after disasters and emergencies. (Accessed November 26, 2024.)
Community Inclusion Exercise Resources, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (Accessed November 26, 2024.)
Access and Functional Needs Training Resources, Colorado DHSEM.(Accessed November 26, 2024.)
Evacuating Persons with Dementia during an Emergency Video, CDPHE, 2018. (Accessed November 26, 2024.)
Disaster Behavioral Health Resources, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), (Accessed November 26, 2024.)
Disaster Behavioral Health Home Page at CDPHE