“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 identify 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
People with disabilities and others with access and functional needs are part of every community. Inclusion of all members of the community in preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation strengthens the overall emergency management program.
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Inclusive Emergency Management 101: Integrating the Disability Community in Disaster Planning and Response, by Portlight Inclusive Disaster Strategies: http://www.portlight.org/
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Personal Emergency Preparedness Workbook, prepared by The Independence Center https://www.theindependencecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Emergency-Prep-Workbook.pdf
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ADA National Network Webinar Series, Emergency Management and Preparedness-Inclusion training, http://adapresentations.org/archive.php
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Colorado Community Inclusion Resources and Maps: http://www.cohealthmaps.dphe.state.co.us/colorado_community_inclusion/