QR Code with the CMIST logo in the middle. Leads to January 2026 AFN University Registration Form
2026 Access and Functional Needs University
Register Now!
The Colorado Access and Functional Needs Team is happy to announce that our January 2026 AFN University is now open for registration! This hybrid training opportunity will allow participants to develop their knowledge about access and functional needs in emergency management within a condensed timeline, and provide an opportunity to connect and learn with a broad range of emergency management professionals and partners across the state and country.
Why Should You Attend?
- Receive information and toolkits to assist in CMIST resource disruption planning with your whole community throughout all phases of disasters and emergencies.
- Learn how to effectively engage with community partners and develop plans to ensure your community has access to effective and accessible CMIST resources.
- Connect with other professionals and partners in emergency management from across Colorado and the country, and learn about how they are integrating access and functional needs.
How to Attend?
- Registration is required to attend the event. Once registered, you may join any course on Zoom offered throughout the event. In-person availability is limited.
When:
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"Basics":
- January 5, 2026 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. MT
- January 6, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. MT
- January 7 - 8, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. MT
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"Community Engagement":
- January 13, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. MT
- January 14, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. MT
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"Communications"
- January 14, 2026 | 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. MT
- January 20, 2026 | 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. MT
- January 21, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. MT
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"Operationalizing":
- January 22, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. MT
Where:
- Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management
3755 Mark Dabling Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
- Virtual - Zoom Platform
2026 AFN University Details
The Basics (Monday 01/05/2026 - Thursday 01/08/2026):
Introduction to the access and functional needs resource framework and the CMIST (Communication, Maintaining Health, Independence, Support Services and Safety, and Transportation) resource memory tool. These courses include the following:
Community Engagement (Tuesday 01/13/2026 - Wednesday 01/14/2026):
Build upon basic CMIST knowledge to learn how to engage the whole community in emergency planning through inclusive preparedness and outreach, as well as strategies to overcome systemic barriers to reaching the whole community. These courses include the following:
Communications (Wednesday 01/14/2026 - Wednesday 01/21/2026):
Dive into the importance of effective and accessible communication resource access when working with your community and agency partners throughout the emergency management cycle, and how to use these resources in your area.
Operationalizing (Thursday 01/22/2026):
Recommendations and guidance on how to integrate the CMIST resource framework into emergency management preparedness, response, and recovery. This course includes the following:
Registration is required to attend the event. Once registered, you may join any course on Zoom offered throughout the event. In-person availability is limited. To register, please complete the Google Form. If you are unable to access the form, please contact the Access and Functional Needs Team at cdps_dhsem_afn@state.co.us.
We strive to ensure that our meetings and trainings enable all individuals to engage fully. To request accommodations, please contact the Access and Functional Needs Team at cdps_dhsem_afn@state.co.us no later than 2 weeks prior to the event. Please note that we make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations but cannot guarantee fulfillment of all requests.
Accommodation Request Deadline:
- Accommodation requests for the January 2026 event must be received by December 19, 2025.
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