For People with Access and Functional Needs (AFN)
We all have unique needs and abilities and each one of us can take actions to get ready to face an emergency or disaster. Persons with access and functional needs include multi-lingual communities, families with infants and children, older adults, persons with disabilities, and persons experiencing homelessness.
This page provides resources to help enhance independence and readiness through emergency preparedness.
COVID-19
Learn how to get tested, stay safe, and slow the spread.
- Visit the County of Santa Clara Public Health website (English, 中文, Español, Tiếng Việt and Tagalog)
- You do not need a doctor’s referral or note to be tested. COVID-19 testing sites offer accessible services for people with disabilities and those with other access or functional needs. When you arrive, if you need an accommodation, alert the staff on site. Everyone is welcome regardless of immigration status.
- View local updates on Facebook Live at 10:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays – with an American Sign Language interpreter
- COVID-19 Tips for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (LISTOS California)
- Learn about the risk of COVID-19 and how to protect yourself. Visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website
-
The goals of case investigation and contact tracing are to support individuals who may be positive for COVID-19 to safely stay home and slow the spread of COVID-19 among their family, friends, and community.
-
While the Health Officer’s Order is in effect, businesses and public entities still need to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and make accommodations for persons with access and functional needs. Learn more by visiting the Access and Functional Needs FAQs.
-
Deciding which type of transportation you should take to a COVID-19 testing site should be easy. Read more on How to Get To a Testing Site flowchart for more information.
Isolation & Quarantine Support
Santa Clara County COVID-19 Support Team provides resources to County residents who test positive for COVID-19 or are identified as contacts to a positive case to enable them to isolate or quarantine safely. The Isolation and Quarantine Support Services provide community members with the following resources:
- Rental and utility bill assistance
- Grocery that honor dietary requirements
- Medical check-ins
- Cleaning supplies and face coverings [for yourself and any personal care assistant]
- Transportation to and from hospital and doctor’s appointments [including paratransit options]
- Mental health support
- Assistance in multiple languages
- A hotel/motel room with clean linens and laundry service [with options for personal care assistants and service animals to shelter with you]
To learn more about the three main components of the program, please read the County’s Isolation and Quarantine Guidance or call the Isolation & Quarantine Support Program at (408) 808-7770.
Video on Isolation vs Quarantine
PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
Severe weather and the threat of wildfires may cause PG&E to turn off electricity for public safety. Here is how you can prepare:
- Update your account information
- Apply for PG&E’s Medical Baseline Program
- Apply for resources from the Disability Disaster Access and Resources – a program of the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers.
- Explore additional resources for individuals with access and functional needs.
- Refer to Frequently Asked Questions about Public Safety Power Shutoffs
How to Prepare for Disasters and Emergencies
Sign up for County of Santa Clara’s alert and warning system
- AlertSCC is a free and easy way to get emergency alerts sent directly to your cell phone or mobile device, landline, TTY device, or email.
Video on We Prepare Everyday
Make a plan to protect yourself, family, and friends
Disasters change things. During a disaster situation you will most likely not have access to everyday conveniences. Think through every detail of your daily routine and make alternative plans.
Write down your plan and keep copies of it in your emergency supply kits. Share your plan with your family, friends, caregivers, and everyone in your personal support network.
- We Prepare Everyday - an accessible video on how to prepare for all hazards
- Personal Emergency Plan for People with Access and Functional Needs - fillable PDF form from CA Health and Human Services Agency
- Preparedness Tips for Individuals with Disabilities (Ready.gov)
- Preparedness Tips for Seniors (Ready.gov)
- ReadySCC from the App Store or Google Play. You can download this free, app to your phone or tablet and create a family disaster preparedness plan in a few steps. ReadySCC also stores emergency contacts and links to resources.
Travel and Evacuation
Power Outages
Emergency Supplies for Your Home and Car
- Bedside Emergency Supplies Checklist
- Emergency Food and Water
- Emergency Supplies Kits
- Home Emergency Supplies Kit Checklist
Grab and Go Emergency Supplies
- Carry on You Emergency Supplies Kit Checklist
- Grab and Go Emergency Supplies Kit Checklist
- Grab and Go Emergency Supplies Kit Checklist Template
- Grab and Go Emergency Supplies Kit with Daily Use Items Checklist
- Car Emergency Supplies Kit Checklist
Tips and checklists provided by:
- Pacific ADA Center, 1-800-949-4232 (Voice/TTY), (510) 285-5600 (Voice/TTY), [email protected]
Quick Reference Guide:
- For emergencies, call 9-1-1.
- For service referrals, call 2-1-1 or visit www.211bayarea.org/santaclara/.
- For older adult resources including caregiving, counseling, food, housing, healthcare, legal services, visit the County of Santa Clara Department of Aging and Adult Services.
- For people of all ages with disabilities, Silicon Valley Independent Living Center provides services to help further independence.
- For people with developmental disabilities and their families, visit San Andreas Regional Center.
- For self-advocacy resources, visit the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Mental Health Services
- For peer support and mental health resources visit National Alliance on Mental Illness, Santa Clara County.
- For therapy, crisis intervention, and other services visit the YWCA Silicon Valley.
Related Links
Santa Clara County Amateur Radio Emergency Services/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (ARES/RACES) Collaborating Agencies’ Disaster Relief Effort (CADRE) Santa Clara County Fire Department Santa Clara County Large Animal Evacuation Team California Office of Emergency Services Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Weather Service United States Geologic Service