Presenters:  
Andrea Dodge, Alameda County Public Health Department, Benjamin Chen, Alameda County Public Health Department
In July 2024, Alameda County took a proactive step toward improving disaster resilience for people with disabilities, older adults, and others with access and functional needs (AFN) by launching the Alameda County AFN Advisory Committee. This collaborative group embraces a whole community approach—centered on equity, lived experience, and cross-sector collaboration. This group’s objective is to support emergency management systems to serve everyone – before, during and after disasters. The AFN Advisory Committee serves as a structured forum that includes representatives from disability rights and community-based organizations, emergency management, and public health. Meeting quarterly, the Committee provides ongoing feedback, identifies resources and service gaps, shares community priorities, and develops recommendations to improve emergency preparedness, resilience, and response for communities that have been historically underserved and are disproportionately impacted during disasters. Ben and Andrea spent several months working to plan and recruit members that represent different segments of the AFN population and hold roles in different aspects of emergency management. They worked with the Alameda County Age-Friendly Council, conducted Key Informant Interviews, and shared information during county and community discussions. Ben’s participation in last year’s Government and Disability Summit supported several of the connections that led to the committee’s development. This included partnerships with the County of Marin, Santa Clara County, several Independent Living Centers, and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities. This presentation will detail the Committee’s development, structure, and early accomplishments. It will provide an overview of lessons learned, emerging priorities, and goals for the coming year. An engaging discussion with participants will encourage ideas and feedback from participants. Participants will gain insight into how the Alameda County AFN Advisory Committee: Leverages community partnerships, Centers equity in emergency planning, Fosters sustained, meaningful engagement with AFN populations, Develops actionable recommendations through community collaboration. Translates feedback into practical tools, policy changes, and inclusive strategies.

Presenters:  
Bradlee Kirkman, Access Central Coast, Michael Flores, Access Central Coast
Disasters don’t wait and people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs (AFN) face unique barriers when they strike. This interactive session moves beyond general preparedness to share real-world, field-tested strategies from community partners like Access Central Coast and DDAR. You’ll hear about common challenges like power outages, transportation gaps, and access to medical support and walk away with concrete, local solutions you can use at home, on the job, or in your community. Plus, our “Disaster Jukebox” game will kick off conversation and storytelling in a fun, low-pressure way. Whether you're a self-advocate, service provider, or planner, you’ll leave with tools to build resilience before, during, and after emergencies.