Access and Functional Needs

If you or someone close to you has a disability or other access or functional need, you may need to take additional steps to prepare yourself and your family. Including creating a Family Emergency Plan and Kit that addresses the specific health and safety needs for you and your family. Your Family Emergency Plan, should address for any specific medical support, transportation, and/or communication needs for you and your family. In your emergency kit, consider adding those specific items that both you and your family will need in order to maintain health, safety and independence.

Who Are Individuals with Access & Functional Needs (AFN)?

Individuals with access and functional needs are a diverse group of people who may require specific accommodations and support during emergencies or disasters. This group includes individuals of all ages and backgrounds who, due to various factors, may have difficulty accessing, comprehending, or responding to emergency information or who may require additional assistance to ensure their safety and well-being during such events.

Here are some categories of individuals with access and functional needs:

1. Mobility Disabilities: These individuals may use wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or other mobility devices to move around. They may require accessible transportation and shelter options.

2. Cognitive Disabilities: People with cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia, may have difficulty understanding and following instructions during emergencies. They may require support in decision-making and safe evacuation.

3. Hearing Disabilities: Deaf or hard of hearing individuals may not hear emergency alerts, sirens, or verbal instructions. They may rely on sign language interpretation, captioning, or visual alerts.

4. Vision Disabilities: Blind or visually impaired individuals may have difficulty navigating evacuation routes, reading written instructions, or identifying hazards. They may require tactile maps, Braille instructions, or assistance from guide dogs.

5. Communication Barriers: Individuals with communication disabilities, including those who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices or non-verbal communication methods, may need accessible communication tools and interpreters.

6. Medical Conditions: People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues, may rely on medical equipment like oxygen concentrators or ventilators. They need a plan for maintaining power and access to medical supplies.

7. Young Children: Infants, toddlers, and young children may not be able to communicate their needs during emergencies. Parents and caregivers must ensure they have essential supplies and support.

8. Older Adults: Older adults may have mobility limitations, chronic health conditions, or cognitive impairments that make evacuation and accessing emergency services challenging.

9. Pregnant Women: Pregnant individuals may have unique healthcare needs during emergencies and require access to prenatal care and safe accommodations.

10. People with Service Animals: Those who rely on service animals, such as guide dogs, need to ensure their animals' safety and access to shelters and transportation.

11. Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities: Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities may have sensory sensitivities or communication challenges that require tailored support during emergencies.

12. People with Mental Health Conditions: Individuals with mental health conditions may need specific accommodations and access to mental health services during and after disasters.

13. Non-English Speakers: People who do not speak English as their primary language may require translated emergency information and assistance from interpreters.

It's important to recognize that these categories are not exhaustive, and individuals with access and functional needs are a diverse group with unique requirements. Emergency preparedness and response efforts must consider the specific needs and preferences of these individuals to ensure their safety and well-being during emergencies and disasters.