What are access and functional needs?
People with access and functional are people who are or have:
• Physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities.
• Chronic conditions or injuries.
• Limited English proficiency.
• Older adults.
• Children.
• Low income, homeless, or transportation-disadvantaged (i.e., dependent on public transportation).
• In late stages of pregnancy.
What is CMIST?
CMIST puts access and functional needs into 5 categories:
- Communication
- Maintaining health
- Independence
- Support and safety
- Transportation
How can CMIST help with disaster planning?
CMIST can help people with their emergency planning by taking into consideration the needs that should be addressed during a disaster.


Communication Needs Include :
- Deaf or hard of hearing
- People that use sign language
- Limited English proficiency
- Reduced ability to see, speak and understanding
- Have intellectual or developmental disabilities
Disaster Planning Ideas
- Store aids, like hearing aids and communication devices in all emergency kits
- Have extra batteries and communication equipment charging cables
- Label emergency supplies with Braille labels or large print
- Pencil and paper for communicating
- Laminated cards with phrases or pictograms
- Weather Radio with text display and a flashing alert
- Lantern to enable communication by sign language
- Dry erase board

Maintaining Health Needs Include :
- People that require specific medications, medical equipment, electricity for medical devices
- People that are breastfeeding
- Infants and Children
Disaster Planning Ideas
- Medication and allergy List
- Extra medications and supplies
- Back up power source
- Copies of insurance and Medicare cards
- Cooler and chemical ice packs
- Medical bracelets

Independence Needs Include :
People that can function independently with help of
- A mobility device
- Vision and communication aids
- Service animals.
- Assistive technology
Disaster Planning Ideas
- Backup manual wheel chair
- Extra mobility devices such as canes or walkers
- Extra battery for power wheel chair
- Service dog supplies
- Food
- Water
- Medical records

Safety, Support and Self-determination Needs Include :
Individuals that may
- Be separated from their caregiver, or need additional care or
- experience high levels of distress and additional help for anxiety, psychological behavioral health needs or
- need trauma-informed support or support for their personal safety
Disaster Planning Ideas
- Have a written emergency plan
- Create a support network
- Ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones
- Exchange keys and medical information with your supports
- Show supports where emergency supplies are kept

Transportation Needs Include :
- Individuals that do not have personal transportation
- Financial hardships
- Disabilities and temporary injuries
Disaster Planning Ideas
- Have evacuation routes that you can access without a car
- Map out meeting places close to your home or work
- Have Paratransit phone number
Additional Resources