 The 2026 Access and Functional Needs Conference Is Almost One Month Away - Lodging Scholarships are Still Available!
We are just weeks away from the 2026 Access and Functional Needs Conference, April 7–9 in Colorado Springs. If you are a Colorado resident and located 50 miles or more from the venue, you may be eligible for a lodging scholarship. Lodging scholarships are limited and will close on March 13. If cost has been a barrier, this is your opportunity to join emergency management partners from across the state and nation!
To register, scan the QR code or click the button below
Our theme, Lessons Learned, Now What? moves beyond discussion and into real-world action. This year’s agenda intentionally walks participants through the disaster lifecycle, from preparedness and mitigation to response and recovery, with practical tools you can apply immediately. Learn from national subject matter experts and Colorado practitioners who are actively solving communication access challenges across the disaster lifecycle. Click below to review this years schedule and learn more.
Join 200+ emergency management professionals and disaster support partners in person or via our hybrid Zoom experience for a focused look at solving communication resource disruptions.
The Experience
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Full Access: No registration fees and complimentary meals and refreshments are provided.
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Hear from the Experts: Gain insights from national subject matter experts and local leaders.
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High-Impact Networking: Kick off with our Exhibitor’s Networking Social on Tuesday, April 7th.
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All-Inclusive Venue: Enjoy on-site lodging and meals at the DoubleTree Hilton.
Who Should Attend
- Emergency managers
- Recovery and Response Partners that would act as Disaster Assistance Personnel and Support
- Communication CMIST Resource Partners
- Emergency Support Function Partners
- Public Information Officers
- Community Partner Agencies serving communities before, during, and after disasters
Dates and Times
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Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. MT
- Integrating Access and Functional Needs in Emergency Management Communication Resources Before the Disaster: Preparedness and Mitigation
- Exhibitors' Networking Social
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. MT
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Wednesday, April 8,2026 | 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. MT
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Integrating Access and Functional Needs in Emergency Management Communication Resources During the Disaster
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MT
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Integrating Access and Functional Needs in Emergency Management Communication Resources After the Disaster: Poverty in Disasters Recovery Workshop
1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. MT
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Thursday, April 9,2026 | 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. MT
- Exercise | Integrating Access and Functional Needs into Recovery
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton
Colorado Springs1775 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
 DoubleTree Hilton, Colorado Springs, CO
Hotel Lodging and Accommodations
- Lodging scholarships are available for Colorado based partners and Emergency Managers if your residence is fifty (50) miles or further from the location of the conference at 1775 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. Please see the registration form for more details.
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All attendees are responsible for reserving your own room through the reservation link from DoubleTree.
- If you are approved to receive a lodging scholarship, you will receive a confirmation email from the Access and Functional Needs Team.
- DHSEM cannot cover personal expenses charged to the room. A personal credit card must be put on file with the hotel at check-in for any incidental charges. If you choose to extend your reservation beyond the days approved by DHSEM, either for personal or business reasons, DHSEM will not be responsible for payment of the additional days. Any other requests or guests in your room that will incur an additional charge will also be your responsibility.
- Registration must be received and Reservations must be made prior to Saturday, March 7, 2026.
- If you plan on making your own lodging arrangements with DoubleTree by Hilton - Colorado Springs, please refer to the following information for pricing.
- You can use this link for reservations or contact the hotel by calling (719) 527-4665
- You will only be charged when you check-in to the hotel.
- Reservations must be made prior to Saturday, March 7, 2026 for the Conference group block pricing.
- For alternative lodging options, please visit www.visitcos.com.
We use the CMIST Memory Tool (Communication, Maintaining Health, Independence, Support Services, Safety, Transportation) as a reminder for the core services and resources an individual needs in order to function before, during, and after disasters when access to those resources are disrupted. For more information about the Access and Functional Needs Resource Framework or the CMIST Resource Memory Tool, please visit our CMIST Resources Flyer.
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