Access and Functional Needs Community Forum
The AFN Community Forum brings together organizations, advocates, and community members to address the unique challenges faced by individuals with access and functional needs during disasters. The forum serves as a collaborative space for sharing best practices, identifying gaps in current planning, and developing inclusive strategies that leave no one behind.
Participants work together to ensure that emergency communications, sheltering, transportation, and medical support are designed with accessibility at their core. The forum meets regularly and welcomes input from all stakeholders committed to equitable disaster response.
AFN Priority Survey
The AFN Priority Survey gathers direct input from individuals with functional needs, caregivers, and service providers about what matters most in disaster planning. Survey results help shape the priorities of Santa Barbara County VOAD and its member organizations, guiding resource allocation and program development.
Key areas explored in the survey include accessible evacuation routes, durable medical equipment support, communication accessibility, and shelter accommodations. Findings are shared with the full membership to drive informed, community-centered action.
- Identifies top concerns from the AFN community.
- Informs training topics and resource development.
- Strengthens coordination between VOAD members and AFN advocates.
Preparing Together Workshop
The Preparing Together Workshop offers hands-on, practical guidance for individuals, families, and organizations supporting people with access and functional needs. Workshop sessions cover personal preparedness planning, building support networks, and understanding local emergency resources.
Follow-up materials from past workshops remain available to members, reinforcing key concepts and providing checklists that can be adapted to individual circumstances. The workshop emphasizes that preparedness is a shared responsibility and that inclusive planning strengthens the whole community.
