The Cal OES Access and Functional Needs Web Map
To empower emergency managers to identify the Access and Functional Needs (AFN)-related assets and resources needed to support the health and independence of survivors with disabilities or AFN, the Office of Access and Functional Needs (OAFN) partnered with the agency's GIS Division to create the California AFN Web Map – the first-ever searchable, comprehensive, statewide resource for locating AFN-related assets and resources in California.
Using data from the U.S. Census, the web map contains the following information for every county in the State of California:
- Disability. Total number of individuals in each county with a disability (listed into four categories: Hearing difficulty; vision difficulty; cognitive difficulty; and ambulatory difficulty).
- Culture. The ethnicity and primary language(s) spoken at home within each county.
- Age. The age (across the life spectrum) of individuals in every county.
The web map outlines where each of the following resources are located:
- American Sign Language Interpreting Services. Organizations providing interpretation services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- CERT Programs. Local programs that educate individuals about disaster preparedness and train them in basic disaster response skills.
- Language Translation Services. Organizations providing written text or interpretation services in a language other than English.
- Regional Centers. Non-profit private corporations that contract with the Department of Developmental Services to provide or coordinate services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Accessible Hygiene Resources. Showers, toileting, and hand washing stations that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. - Accessible Transportation. Organizations providing public transportation services to seniors and individuals with disabilities that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Assistive Technology. Organizations providing devices, equipment or technology systems and services for individuals with disabilities. - Independent Living Centers. Community-based, non-profit organizations designed and operated by individuals with disabilities.
Using the web map, emergency managers can develop a better understanding of the AFN-specific assets and resources they should plan for during disasters. As such, they can leverage the web map to locate specific assets and resources often before they're needed. This fundamentally changes the way emergency managers respond to disasters.
To submit data regarding additional resources, use the links to download and email us at OAFN@caloes.ca.gov.
Instructions to Submit Data for AFN Web Map.pdf
AFN Webmap Data Template.xltx
To use this tool, visit the AFN Web Map page.