HHS/ASPR Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Web-Based Training
Whole Community Planning
On any given day, approximately half of the U.S. population has a temporary or permanent condition that limits their ability to take action in an emergency. Simply put—they have access and functional needs (AFN).
Addressing AFN is a crucial part of comprehensive disaster planning for the whole community and is mandated for inclusion in federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial public health emergency plans. ASPR has developed the HHS/ ASPR Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Web-Based Training to help public health officials, emergency managers, and social/human service providers learn how to address AFN in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Web-Based Training Course
Addressing the Access and Functional needs of people during disasters.
Launch Course
Access and Functional Needs
AFN provides an inclusive approach to describing the wide array of populations who may have additional needs before, during, or after an emergency. Populations with AFN may include but are not limited to: children, pregnant women, older adults, people with disabilities, limited English proficiency, limited access to transportation, limited financial resources, people experiencing homelessness, people who have chronic health conditions, pharmacological dependency, and people from diverse cultures.
Protection from Discrimination
Public health officials, emergency managers, and social/human service providers need to be aware of and comply with legal requirements designed to protect individuals with AFN from discrimination. The training highlights information from federal guidance, laws and executive orders that require non-discrimination for addressing AFN—both specific and nonspecific to a disaster context.
Tools, Resources and Data Within the training, participants learn how to use the Communication, Maintaining Health, Independence, Support and Safety, and Transportation (CMIST) Framework to address a broad set of common AFN irrespective of specific diagnoses, status, or labels. Additionally, the training provides tools and resources for addressing AFN during disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities. Participants will find relevant data, recommended partners, and links to tools and information so that they may immediately apply what they have learned and successfully address AFN in their communities.
Learn More
To learn more about addressing the AFN of individuals and the CMIST Framework, take the free
HHS/ASPR Access and Functional Needs Web-Based Training
