Access and Functional Needs Program

What is the Mat-Su Borough Disaster Planning for Access and Functional Needs Program?

The Disaster Planning for Access and Function Needs Program helps the local government identify and assist individuals with access and functional needs during an emergency. It is an efficient way for the borough to identify individuals and their needs, map an evacuation area, and deploy the essential resources. There is no cost to sign up for this program.

Do you or someone you know have access and functional needs?

The Disaster Planning for Access and Functional Needs Program will allow those citizens with specific needs and/or their caretakers the ability to provide information allowing emergency response agencies to better plan on how to serve those citizens during a disaster or other emergencies.

An access and functional needs individual is someone who cannot receive, understand, or act upon an emergency. Their needs are not fully addressed by traditional service providers or who feel they cannot comfortably or safely access and use the standard resources offered in disaster preparedness, relief, and recovery. They include but are not limited to those who are physically or mentally disabled such as blind, deaf, hard-of-hearing, cognitive disorders, and mobility limitations.

In April 2020, the Matanuska-Sustina Borough will be rolling out Community Connect, the entry point for access and functional needs information. You'll be able to sign up yourself, a loved one, or one you take care of. There will be no cost to sign up for this program.

Who should sign up?

You (or someone on your behalf) should sign up if you may find it difficult to get to safety with family or friends, or to a public shelter during an emergency because of a physical or cognitive limitation, language barrier, or lack of transportation.