2024 AFN Conference

We are happy to have more than 230 emergency managers, emergency support partners, advocates, community champions and people with lived experience joining us this year.  For any inquiries or questions, please feel free to email the DHSEM Access and Functional Needs team at cdps_dhsem_afn@state.co.us.  

Overview

• Dates and Times
  • Pre-Conference: April 9, 2024 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Conference Day One: April 10, 2024 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    • Exhibitor Networking Social from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
  • Conference Day Two: April 11, 2024 from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
  • Post Conference: April 11, 2024 from 1 - 3 p.m.
• Location
  • Great Wolf Lodge, 9494 Federal Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80921
• Schedule
  • Schedule At A Glance 

Conference Information

This year we are focusing on the “S” in CMIST: Support Services and Safety Resources. These resources can include personal care assistance, trusted community and cultural connectors, behavioral health services, assistive technology, community safety resource officers, safe houses for domestic violence, and even childcare. For more information about the CMIST Resource Memory Tool, please see the Access and Functional Needs Resource Framework flyer.

This year's conference will bring together attendees from the public, private, non-governmental, and academic sectors from across Colorado and the Nation, all gathered to continue building towards whole community inclusion in emergency management. The conference will feature panels of experts, stellar keynote addresses, and specialized pre and post-conference sessions, so make sure you register for the additional sessions if you want to participate.

• Know Before You Go Conference Flyer
• Agenda for Access and Functional Needs Conference 2024

Conference Agenda

The conference agenda is shared in the expandable folders below. Please click the folder name to open up each day's information on the sessions being provided. 

April 9, 2024: Pre-Conference Sessions

Keynote:  Is Being “At the Table Enough?” Maximizing Governments’ and Community Partners’ Return on Investments in Public Engagement

• Time: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. MST
• Speaker: June Isaacson Kailes
• Description: Learn how to strengthen and operationalize outcomes that are mutually beneficial to government and community partners; contrast old and new approaches to public engagement; and review principles such as clear objectives, trust, transparency, feedback loops, support roles, just-in-time training, sustainable efforts, and measuring success. 

Break

• Time: 12:30 - 12:45 p.m. MST
• 15 minute break

Presentation: Introduction to the Access and Functional Needs Resource Framework in Emergency Management

• Time: 12:45 - 1:15 p.m.
• Speakers: Sadie Martinez, Hannah Hoffmann, Tim Mann
• Description: Everyone needs access to resources in order to function during emergencies. We will introduce you to a memory tool that will help everyone prepare for resource disruptions in emergencies and disasters, as well as help meet legal obligations for Protected Class laws (Section 504, ADA, CRCL, Aging)

Discussion:  Individual Preparation for Power Resilience When Disruptions Strike

• Time: 1:15 - 2:15 p.m. MST
• Panel Members: Alexandra Enders, June Isaacson Kailes, Julia Beems, Joycelyn Fankhouser, Andrew Notbohm
• Description: An informal and participatory discussion with presenters, service providers, and audience members on individual preparedness solutions and strategies for power outage disruptions.

Break

• Time: 2:15 - 2:30 p.m.
• 15 minute break and refreshments

Presentation: Learning Emergency Management Language

• Time: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. MST
• Panel Members: Michael Houston (moderator), Aimee Voth Siebert, Jaclyn Kurle, Julia Beems, Charlotte Olsen, Sadie Martinez
• Description: Language used in disasters varies widely between agencies and organizations. Join us as we look at the shared language used by Emergency Management, Disability Advocates, Public Health, and Human Services in Colorado that has led to more effective emergency planning and response.

Break

• Time: 3:30 - 3:45 p.m. MST
• 15 minute break

Presentation: Public Health, Human Services, and Emergency Management: Aligning to Address Cascading Challenges

• Time: 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. MST
• Panel Members: June Isaacson Kailes (moderator), Aimee Voth Siebert, Jaclyn Kurle, Jacquie Stanton, Sadie Martinez, Charlotte Olsen, Mike Houston 
• Description: How do Human Services, Public Health, and Emergency Managers work together? Partnerships between these agencies are vital to meet community resource needs and mitigate cascading challenges. Learn from Colorado's leads in each area how they have worked to create a shared language that has helped to improve community resilience across Colorado.

Break

• Time: 4:45 - 5:30 p.m. MST
• 45 minute break

Dinner

• Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m. 
• Advanced notice required

April 10, 2024: Day One Sessions

Registration

• Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m. MST

Lunch and Optional Icebreaker Activity

• Time: 11 - 11:30 a.m. MST

Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. MST
• Speakers: Mike Willis, Nancy Dragani, Sadie Martinez, Hannah Hoffmann, Tim Mann

Keynote Address

• Time: 12 - 12:40 p.m. MST
• Speakers: Sherman Gillums Jr., Ed.D., Valerie Haven

Panel: Benefits of CMIST in Emergency Management

• Time: 12:40 - 1:10 p.m. MST
• Panel Members: Jaclyn Kurle (moderator), Sadie Martinez (moderator), Stephanie Hackett, Teresa Bagdol, Heather Lafferty, Rob Crowder, Mykel Kroll
• Description: The CMIST Resource Memory Tool is rapidly gaining acceptance as a way to quickly identify the most critical resources needed by community members, regardless of their demographic identity or status. Hear from Emergency Managers about how their communities have benefitted from using the CMIST Resource Memory Tool in preparedness and resilience.

Panel Q & A / Optional Break

• Time: 1:10 - 1:40 p.m. MST
• Description: Panelists will answer questions from the audience during this optional break time.

Exhibitor Speed Talk

• Time: 1:40 - 1:55 p.m. MST
• Speakers: Exhibitors TBD
• Description: Learn about the services and resources provided by participating exhibitors. 

Break

• Time: 1:55 - 2:25 p.m. MST
• Description: 30 minute break and refreshments

Panel: Planning for your CMIST Resource Disruptions Until Help Arrives

• Time: 2:25 - 2:55 p.m. MST
• Panel Members: Aimee Voth Siebert (moderator), Jaclyn Kurle (moderator), Sadie Martinez (moderator), Christe Coleman (moderator), Allison Wilson, Jill Pidcock, Joycelyn Fankhouser, Mykel Kroll, Curt Garrett
• Description: When planning for disasters, we traditionally look at specific disaster types to inform us on how to be prepared. Join us to discuss planning for the resource disruptions those disasters cause, and how planning for disruptions with the community leads to greater resilience, both individually and collectively.

Panel Q & A / Optional Break

• Time: 2:55 - 3:25 p.m. MST
• Description: Panelists will answer questions from the audience during this optional break time.

Exhibitor Speed Talk

• Time: 3:25 - 3:40  p.m. MST
• Speakers: Exhibitors TBD
• Description: Learn about the services and resources provided by participating exhibitors. 

 Presentation: Moving Beyond the Buzzword of ‘Whole Community Inclusion’ in Emergency Management

• Time: 3:40 - 4:25 p.m. MST
• Speakers: Sadie Martinez, Hannah Hoffmann, Tim Mann
• Description: How did the Colorado Access and Functional Needs Program get its start, and where is it headed? Learn about the program’s history, current scope and focus, and future roadmap. 

Break

• Time: 4:25 - 4:40 p.m. MST
• Description: 15 minute break

Exhibitor Speed Talk

• Time: 4:40 - 4:55  p.m. MST
• Speakers: Exhibitors TBD
• Description: Learn about the services and resources provided by participating exhibitors.

Day One Closing Remarks

• Time: 4:55 - 5 p.m. MST

Break

• Time: 5 - 5:30 p.m. MST
• Description: 30 minute break

Exhibitor's Networking Social

• Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m. MST
• Description: Complimentary Hors D'oeuvres and two-complimentary drinks; additional cash bar available

April 11, 2024 Day Two Sessions

Breakfast

• Time: 7:30 - 8 a.m. MST

Welcome and Hummingly Workshop

• Time: 8 - 9:10 a.m. MST

Break

• Time: 9:10 - 9:40 a.m. MST
• Description: 30 minute break

Access and Functional Needs Recognitions

• Time: 9:40 - 10:10 a.m. MST

Presentation: CMIST Response Team Overview Training

• Time: 10:10 - 10:40 a.m. MST
• Speakers: Sadie Martinez, Hannah Hoffmann, Tim Mann
• Description: The Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Access and Functional Needs Program is working to support the development of local CMIST Response Teams around the state. This overview will look at CMIST Response Team areas of concentration and provide insights into how these teams will benefit local communities.

Presentation Q & A / Optional Break and Refreshments

• Time: 10:40 - 11:10 a.m. MST
• Description: Presenters will answer questions from the audience during this optional break time.  Refreshments will be provided. 

Panel: Lessons Learned from Disasters: CMIST Focus

• Time: 11:10 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. MST
• Panel Members: Veronica Moody (Moderator), Joycelyn Fankhouser, Kasey Harlos, Loni Koller, Diane Elio, Jaclyn Kurle, Mike Houston, Curt Garrett, Shaylin Sluzalis and Germán Parodi, Aimee Voth Siebert, Sadie Martinez, Hannah Hoffmann, Tim Mann
• Description: Join partners from across Colorado and the nation to discuss how to take lessons learned from disasters and exercises, and turn them into lessons applied through the continuous improvement of emergency plans. We will be using the CMIST Resource Memory Tool to frame these lessons in practical steps for improving emergency plans in your communities.
• Questions for Panelists

Closing Remarks

• Time: 12:10 - 12:30 p.m. MST
• Speakers: Mike Willis, Sadie Martinez, Hannah Hoffmann, Tim Mann

Lunch

• Time: 12:30 - 1 p.m. MST

Post-Conference TVU Demonstration

• Time: 1 - 2:30 p.m. MST
• Speakers: Micki Trost and DHSEM Access and Functional Needs Team
• Description: A live demonstration of how the Colorado TVU system resource can bridge the gap between emergency management communications and broadcasters to ensure equitable communication to community members. Come learn what the support service resource is, how to request it, the history, and interact with the product.

Questions for Panelists

Below are questions that were submitted for panelists during the 2024 AFN Conference and available to view and download. 

• From: Laura Strmel | laura.strmel@delaware.gov
  • To June Isaacson Kailes
    • Q: We have learned that registries do not work. We have a Nuclear Plant and a defined Emergency Planning Zone (EPZ). People living in the EPZ w/ disabilities and access and functional needs should be evacuated first. How do we identify these people without a registry?
  • To June Isaacson Kailes
    • Q: I experience that the same people from disability community are asked to participate as community partners. How can I reach new people with fresh perspectives to our planning processes?
• From: Marja Possner | marja@deafdove.org
  • To: Curtis Garrett
    • Q: For a person with a disability, how can they help improve all accessibility and where can they go to share that feedback or their experiences with 911?
• From: Anonymous
  • To:Teresa Bagdol
    • Q: How are you working with culture, traditions, and those coming from other areas (world) (openboarder)?
    • A: The Southern Ute Indian Tribe (SUIT) has a Cultural Preservation Department that is always consulted when considering culture and traditions. There are also Tribal elders and cultural leaders that are available for guidance. Southern Ute Tribal Council is the governing body that approves and welcomes those coming from other world areas. Keep in mind that Southern Ute Indian Tribe is a sovereign native nation protective of their culture while fostering quality relationships with respect and dignity.
  • To: Rob Crowder
    • Q: How do you or others that are more rural prepare for situations knowing your resources are not always close by?
    • A: I start by analyzing the threats and hazards that could affect an area, then look at the likelihood of different hazards and their potential impacts. Based on these you should be able to create a list of resource gaps for each of the hazards (some will be shared across many of the hazards). For example, if power disruption is a relatively common occurrence, regardless of the cause, warming & cooling centers, and durable medical equipment users (o2 concentration, CPAP/BIPAP, and others) would be affected quickly. In this example, power generation, either fixed or mobile could help address this resource gap, another resource might be several o2 concentrators that could be supplied to shelter facilities that have existing backup power to supply those who spontaneously arrive at a shelter without their durable medical equipment.
  • To: Valerie Haven
    • Q: What did you mean by covering knees, elbows, and head?
    • A: What I meant by my comment is being aware of cultural norms when communicating with members of your community from other countries. In one of my jobs, I was responsible for contacting grass root organizations supporting immigrants from other countries. Some cultural groups would not meet with me unless my head, elbows, and knees were covered. Dresses worked better than pants. There were also times when I had to take a male coworker with me because the leaders would not talk with me without a man present.
  • To: Heather Lafferty
    • Q: Can you share more on the communication kits for shelters? What supplies you might find in them?
    • A: Sheltering Communications Kits from Nevada
  • To: Jolie Wills
    • Q: Besides the physical challenges after the disaster (earthquake), how did this disaster affect your community or children mentally? Did you have other earthquakes during those 5 years of aftershocks?
  • To: Any and all panelists
    • Q: What is the best way to encourage volunteerism and how do you maintain them for multiple years?
    • A: Teresa Bagdol: Mostly the Tribe utilizes employee volunteers when needed and not so much volunteers from outside of the Tribal organization. That being said, employee retention is vital to maintain a volunteer base.
       

Sponsor and Exhibitor Information

The conference is at the Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs. It takes place on April 10 and 11, 2024. If you or your organization is interested in participating this year as a sponsor or exhibitor, take a look at our 2024 AFN Conference Sponsor and Exhibitor Announcement for details and fill out our 2024 AFN Conference Sponsor and Exhibitor Interest Form. 

Reach out to Sadie Martinez by email with any questions.