QR Code to the Summer 2026 AFN University Registration Form
July-August 2026 Access and Functional Needs University
Register Now for the Virtual Training Opportunity!
The Colorado Access and Functional Needs Team is excited to announce that registration is now open for the Summer 2026 Access and Functional Needs University.
This bi-annual training event brings together our core, foundational courses into one streamlined experience, giving participants the opportunity to build practical knowledge and skills in a shorter timeframe.
The Access and Functional Needs University draws participants from across Colorado and the nation, creating a space to learn, collaborate, and connect with a diverse network of professionals, partners, and community stakeholders working across all phases of emergency management.
Who Should Attend?
- Emergency management
- Communication agencies and providers
- Transportation agencies and providers
- Mass care, public health, health services, and behavioral health agencies and providers
- Support service providers
- Community organizations, faith based organizations, cultural liaisons, and any other organization active in disasters
Why Should You Attend?
Participants will leave with practical tools, real-world strategies, and meaningful connections to strengthen their work, including:
- Actionable toolkits to support CMIST resource disruption planning across all phases of disasters
- Clear, practical “how-to” approaches for engaging community partners and building effective, inclusive plans
- Opportunities to learn alongside and from peers nationwide, sharing lessons and solutions for ensuring access to critical resources
When?
-
Dates:
-
Location: Zoom Virtual Platform (Link will be sent after registration)
How to Attend?
- This is a virtual only event.
- Registration is required to attend the event, and participants may choose to attend individual courses or the full AFN University
- You can register in the following methods:
July - August 2026 Access and Functional Needs University Details
*Click on each course to view the course flyer
The Basics | Monday, July 20th - Thursday, July 23rd:
Introduction to the access and functional needs resource disruption framework in emergency management and by using the CMIST (Communication, Maintaining Health, Independence, Support Services, Safety, and Transportation) resource memory tool.
Community Engagement | Tuesday, July 28th - Wednesday, July 29th:
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.
Operationalizing | Thursday, July 30th:
Recommendations and guidance on how to integrate the CMIST resource framework into emergency management preparedness, response, and recovery.
Communications | Tuesday, August 4th:
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.
Registration is required to attend the event. Once registered, you may join any course offered throughout the event. To register, please fill out the registration form, and you will receive a calendar invite within the week. 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 inclusive training experiences that enable all individuals to engage fully. For inquiries about accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact the Access and Functional Needs Team at cdps_dhsem_afn@state.co.us. 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 July / August 2026 event must be received by Monday, July 6th, 2026.
Check out the Access and Functional Needs Resource Framework Flyer to learn more about CMIST!
|
