AFN University
Overview
The Colorado Access and Functional Needs University is a bi-annual event that combines many of our foundational training courses as shared in the AFN Framework - Training Catalog into a consolidated event. This allows participants to develop their knowledge about access and functional needs in emergency management in a condensed timeline. The event draws attendees from across Colorado and the U.S. and provides an opportunity to learn and network with a broad range of professionals, partners, and stakeholders.
The university is in broke down into the following areas of focus:
The Basics
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 course include the following:
- CO-CMIST 4000: Introduction to the Access and Functional Needs Resource Framework in Emergency Management
- CO-CMIST 4017: Moving Beyond the Buzzword of ‘Whole Community Inclusion’ in Emergency Management
- G197: Integrating Access and Functional Needs into Emergency Management
Communications
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.
- CO-CMIST 4009: CMIST Response Team - Emergency Response Interpreter
- CO-CMIST 4007: Portable Hearing Loop Training
- CO-CMIST 4006: Bridging Language Barriers During Disasters
Community Engagement
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 course include the following:
- CO-CMIST 4014: Chronic Influencers and Disruptions to CMIST Resources - TEICHR Memory Tool
- CO-CMIST 4004: CMIST Resource Assistance Team - Community Outreach
- CO-CMIST 4010: How to Prepare for Everything - CMIST Resource Disruptions
Operationalizing
Recommendations and guidance on how to integrate the CMIST resource framework into emergency management preparedness, response, and recovery. These course include the following:
- CO-CMIST 4008: Integrating CMIST into Capability Assessments
Registration Information
Registration is open for the 2026 Access and Functional Needs University. Use the registration link to save a spot for January.
2026 AFN University
Information for the 2026 AFN University is now available. Read more in our AFN bulletin or see details below.
Location
- Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, 3755 Mark Dabling Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colo. 80907
- Zoom Virtual Platform
Dates
The 2026 AFN University Flyer shares the dates for this year.
- Monday through Thursday, January 5 - 8, 2026
- Tuesday through Wednesday, January 13 - 14, 2026
- Tuesday through Thursday, January 20 - 22, 2026
Background
The Colorado Access and Functional Needs program originally offered a variety of training courses shared in the AFN Framework - Training Catalog upon request only. The concept of offering a regularly scheduled set of courses (i.e., a ‘university’) was first developed and piloted in 2024 in order to provide a more convenient option for attendees who wished to complete all foundational courses within one timeframe.
Contact Us
For any inquiries or questions, please feel free to email the DHSEM Access and Functional Needs team at cdps_dhsem_afn@state.co.us, call or text Sadie at 720-610-1691.