Access & Functional Needs Workshop 02/26/2026
Stephanie Norton
You are invited to attend and participate in the upcoming St. Louis Regional Access & Functional Needs (AFN) Workshop scheduled on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Aging Ahead | South County Senior Center (225 Lemay Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125). Your participation is needed to successfully capture experiences and insights to inform policy strategic planning for the entire region - consider attending to ensure the feedback and ideas from you and your organization to better support the AFN community are captured.
This vital and collaborative event will bring community partners and jurisdictional leaders together to discuss and focus on the practical implementation of emergency response concepts to support the AFN community in times of crisis. By participating, you will help to ensure the seamless integration of the AFN community in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery operations, ensuring a more resilient and inclusive emergency framework for our entire region.
The day's events include:
- Session 1 | Communications & Transportation : 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM CT.
This session will focus on the identification of functional barriers and development of inclusive strategies for Public Information & Warning and regional accessible transportation.
- Networking & Informational Lunch: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CT
- Session 2 | Care, Support, & Reunification: 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM CT
This session will focus on the validation of operational concepts for Mass Care sheltering and the reunification of families and caregivers during a crisis.
What to expect: Attendees will work with small groups to 1) identify needs of the AFN community, 2) develop strategies to address the needs, and 3) create methods and concepts to implement the strategies. Discussions and activities will focus on how to assist the AFN community in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery in alignment with the topics of 1) Public Information & Warning, 2) Transportation, 3) Mass Care, and 4) Family Assistance and Reunification. The information gathered during the event will be used to enhance, compliment, and inform emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for the St. Louis region, ensuring the needs and of the AFN community are integrated and considered. Subject matter experts will also be present to share insights through consistent collaboration and keynote presentations.
You are encouraged to attend both sessions to experience and participate in the full scope of valuable discussions; however, please feel free to join us for a single session if your availability is limited. Registration by February 19 is required to attend. Registration and further information can be found at the following URL: https://forms.office.com/r/6Thz7w5sCq
Contact 'andrew....@hagertyconsulting.com' with any questions or requests for assistance.
_________________________________
ANDREW BOHNERT
Managing Associate | Preparedness Division
Andrew....@HagertyConsulting.com | C: 573-846-6140
Regards,
Stephanie A. Norton
Deputy Director
3 Bruns Lane, Union, MO 63084-3221
Main: 636.583.1679, Desk: 636.583.7399
Email: sano...@franklinmo.gov
Franklin Co. LEPC, Secretary-Treasurer
Region C IST, Training
Franklin Co. COAD, Interim Chair
STARRS-SLARCC, Chair
MOVOAD-Training Committee, Chair
MOVOAD-ADPAC, Co-Chair
Region I SWMD, Executive Board, Vice-Chair
MO SWAB, Region I Alternate