Access and Funcational needs
What Do the Symbols Mean?
There are symbols and cues all around us, symbols and words such as stop signs or ‘push’ and ‘pull’ stickers. Likewise, there are symbols and cues indicating accessibility in parking lots, public transportation, and buildings we use on a regular basis. The most common is the individual in a wheelchair, also known as the International Symbol of Access. It is used to denote parking meant for persons with disabilities or spots in a theater or subway car reserved for a wheelchair. As the name indicates, it is understood to represent accessibility in general. However, sometimes there are additional accessibility icons used to denote additional accommodations made to ensure better inclusion of those involved / attending.
Learn more:
-
Read about how Hennepin County Environmental Resources in Minneapolis created a recycling recognition program, using badges to indicate what products a business was able to recycle, donate, or compost
-
Check out the Accessible Icon Project’s article titled An Icon is a Verb: About the Project
What is Access and Functional Needs?
Access and Functional Needs (AFN) is a term that refers to individuals with disabilities and or other access-based or functional-based needs. There are many variations of the term: some agencies may use Disabilities and Access and Functional Needs (DAFN) and others may use vulnerable populations. These terms are often used interchangeably. It is a catch-all term that refers to those with barriers and/or limitations that limit their access to resources, services, programs or requires assistance before, during, and/or after a disaster or public health emergency.
​
Learn more:
-
Watch the From Special Needs to Functional Needs PowerPoint from the City of Oakland California
-
Review the Department of Justice’s ADA Guide for Local Governments: Making Community Emergency Preparedness and Response Programs Accessible to People with Disabilities
What About Vulnerable Populations?
Sometimes the term Vulnerable Population is used when speaking about individuals with barriers or limitation. 'Vulnerability' is understood as a community or individual’s inability to anticipate, cope with, resist, or recover from the impacts of an emergency or disaster. There are many similarities between vulnerability and access and functional needs; both terms refer to individuals or groups that may need greater assistance in an emergency.
Learn more:
-
Read the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies article ‘What is Vulnerability?’
-
Read about specific communities on the US Department of Health and Human Services website