Trainings & Workshops
Emergency preparedness is vital for all residents, but for individuals with disabilities, it can involve unique challenges and considerations. Our free, hands-on workshops are designed to help individuals with disabilities and their caregivers prepare for emergencies by offering practical guidance, local resources, and personalized support. These trainings are offered at no charge and are provided to the community as part of Disability Access Solutions’ contract with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).
Through presentations, breakout sessions, and one-on-one assistance, participants will have the opportunity to:
Learn about disability-specific challenges in emergency situations.
Explore local disaster resources available in their region.
Begin creating a personal emergency preparedness plan.
We strive to provide the most up-to-date and reliable information for our users, so please check back regularly for refreshed events, resources, and updates.
Community Outreach — Opelousas Rotary Club
Disability Access Solutions is excited to connect with the Opelousas Rotary Club to share information about our work and the importance of inclusive emergency planning and preparedness.
During our visit, our team will share helpful information and resources and open the conversation for questions, concerns, and needs related to emergency preparedness.
These conversations help us better understand the needs of people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs while working together to support more inclusive emergency planning in our communities.
*Closed to the Public*
Emergency Preparedness Planning with People Who Are Aging and/or Have Disabilities — Greater Baton Rouge Chapter NFBL
Disability Access Solutions looks forward to providing an emergency preparedness training for the National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana, Greater Baton Rouge Chapter.
Participants will learn practical ways to prepare for emergencies, including building a personal support network, creating a communication plan, preparing a Go Bag or Stay Kit, and planning for disability-related needs before a disaster happens.
The training will also encourage participants to think about their own needs, resources, and support systems so they can be better prepared before, during, and after an emergency.
*Closed to the Public*
Preparedness for All: Including People with Disabilities in Emergency Planning — Bayou Land FHF
Disability Access Solutions is excited to partner with Bayou Land Families Helping Families (Bayou Land FHF) to present a free webinar on including people with disabilities in emergency planning.
Join us to learn practical ways to create more inclusive and accessible emergency plans, strengthen collaboration with families and community partners, and explore helpful tools and resources for emergency preparedness.
Anyone interested in building safer and more inclusive communities is encouraged to attend, including emergency managers, service providers, self-advocates, caregivers, and community members.
Bossier Parish’s Disability Disaster Preparedness Workshop
Disability Access Solutions is excited to collaborate with local partners for Bossier Parish’s Disability Disaster Preparedness Workshop!
This workshop will share practical, disability-specific strategies to help people prepare for and recover from emergencies and disasters. Topics will include personal preparedness planning, disability-specific considerations, understanding weather reports, sheltering and pets, and local Bossier Parish resources.
Participants will also have an opportunity to connect with local organizations, explore helpful resources, and learn more about preparing for emergencies before they happen.
Calcasieu Parish’s Disability Disaster Preparedness Workshop
Disability Access Solutions is excited to collaborate with local partners for Calcasieu Parish’s Disability Disaster Preparedness Workshop!
This workshop will share practical, disability-specific strategies to help people prepare for and recover from emergencies and disasters. Topics will include personal preparedness planning, disability-specific considerations, understanding weather reports, sheltering and pets, and local Calcasieu Parish resources.
Participants will also have an opportunity to connect with local organizations, explore helpful resources, and learn more about preparing for emergencies before they happen.
Emergency Preparedness Planning with People Who Are Aging and/or Have Disabilities — 2026 GODA Conference
Disability Access Solutions is excited to present at the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs (GODA) 2026 Annual Conference!
This session will explore how we can better prepare for emergencies while considering the different needs people may have before, during, and after a disaster. Participants will learn about the CMIST Framework, the role we all play in emergency preparedness, and practical ways people with disabilities, families, caregivers, and communities can prepare.
The session will also highlight the importance of planning with people, not for them, to support more inclusive, person-centered emergency preparedness.
*Open to the Public*
Emergency Preparedness Planning with People Who Are Aging and/or Have Disabilities — Louisiana Center for the Blind (Ruston)
Disability Access Solutions looks forward to providing an emergency preparedness training for the Louisiana Center for the Blind in Ruston.
Participants will learn practical ways to prepare for emergencies, including building a personal support network, creating a communication plan, preparing a Go Bag or Stay Kit, and planning for disability-related needs before a disaster happens.
The training will also encourage participants to think about their own needs, resources, and support systems so they can be better prepared before, during, and after an emergency.
*Closed to the Public*
Community Outreach — Crowley Lions Club
Disability Access Solutions is excited to connect with the Crowley Lions Club to share information about our work and the importance of inclusive emergency planning and preparedness.
During our visit, our team will share helpful information and resources and open the conversation for questions, concerns, and needs related to emergency preparedness.
These conversations help us better understand the needs of people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs while working together to support more inclusive emergency planning in our communities.
*Closed to the Public*
Emergency Preparedness Planning with People Who Are Aging and/or Have Disabilities — Shreveport Chapter NFBL
Disability Access Solutions looks forward to providing an emergency preparedness training for the National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana, Shreveport Chapter.
Participants will learn practical ways to prepare for emergencies, including building a personal support network, creating a communication plan, preparing a Go Bag or Stay Kit, and planning for disability-related needs before a disaster happens.
The training will also encourage participants to think about their own needs, resources, and support systems so they can be better prepared before, during, and after an emergency.
*Closed to the Public*
Emergency Preparedness Planning for People With Disabilities — St. Landry Abilities
Disability Access Solutions looks forward to providing an emergency preparedness training for St. Landry Abilities.
Participants will learn practical ways to prepare for emergencies, including building a personal support network, creating a communication plan, preparing a Go Bag or Stay Kit, and planning for disability-related needs before a disaster happens.
The training will also encourage participants to think about their own needs, resources, and support systems so they can be better prepared before, during, and after an emergency.
*Closed to the Public*
Region 3 Hurricane Meeting
Several parishes across Louisiana are hosting their annual hurricane preparedness meetings ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. These meetings bring together local and state partners to share helpful updates, preparedness information, and valuable resources for the upcoming season.
Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30, 2026
Our team is looking forward to attending the Region 3 Hurricane Meeting to connect with community partners, gather preparedness resources and information, and continue supporting disability-inclusive emergency planning and recovery efforts throughout the region.
*Closed to the Public*
Emergency Preparedness Training — OAAS Regions 4 & 5
The Disability Assessment & Coordination Entity is partnering with the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS) to assist support coordinators and providers in strengthening emergency preparedness for the individuals and families they serve.
This training is designed to help participants feel more confident and prepared. We’ll share simple, practical steps and tools that can be used to stay safe and support others before, during, and after a disaster.
Participants will learn about:
talking through and creating emergency plans with those they serve;
using the CMIST Framework to support inclusive planning;
understanding roles during emergencies; and
finding helpful disability-focused local and statewide resources.
The training also includes a hands-on activity using real-life scenarios. Participants will leave with easy-to-use materials to support preparedness planning with their clients and families.
We are so excited to bring this training to OAAS Regions 4 and 5 as part of a statewide effort across all nine OAAS regions.
Want to learn more about OAAS programs & services? Visit: OAAS Website
*Closed to the Public*
Emergency Preparedness Training for Support Coordinator & Providers — Region 1 (JPHSA/MHSD)
Disability Access Solutions is excited to host an emergency preparedness training for the Support Coordinator and providers serving Region 1 — Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority (JPHSA) & Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD)!
“Emergency Preparedness Planning with People who are Aging and/or have Disabilities” will introduce disability support personnel to emergency preparedness for people with disabilities as well as provide actionable skills to support their clients’ personal preparedness. Topics covered during this training will include:
Engaging those you serve in personal preparedness planning,
CMIST Framework,
Roles in emergency preparedness, and
Emergency preparedness resources for the disability community.
The training will conclude with a closing activity which will allow attendees to apply their newly acquired knowledge to real-world scenarios. Attendees will leave with a packet of emergency preparedness resources which can be used during development and review of client care plans.
*Closed to the Public*
Webinar: Preparedness for All — FHFSWLA
Disability Access Solutions is excited to partner with Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana (FHFSWLA) on Preparedness for All: Including People with Disabilities in Emergency Planning, an engaging webinar focused on building more inclusive, person-centered approaches to emergency preparedness plans.
Emergencies and disasters can create additional challenges for people with disabilities due to gaps in planning, communication barriers, and interrupted support systems. During this session, our team will provide practical strategies and real-world considerations to help participants strengthen preparedness efforts and create plans that work for everyone.
Topics will include:
Inclusive, person-centered planning strategies
Accessibility and disability-related considerations
The role of support systems and community collaboration
Practical ways to better support people with disabilities before, during, and after emergencies
Anyone interested in building safer and more inclusive communities is encouraged to attend, including emergency managers, service providers, advocates, caregivers, and community members.
Emergency Preparedness Training — OAAS Regions 7 & 8
The Disability Assessment & Coordination Entity is partnering with the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS) to assist support coordinators and providers in strengthening emergency preparedness for the individuals and families they serve.
This training is designed to help participants feel more confident and prepared. We’ll share simple, practical steps and tools that can be used to stay safe and support others before, during, and after a disaster.
Participants will learn about:
talking through and creating emergency plans with those they serve;
using the CMIST Framework to support inclusive planning;
understanding roles during emergencies; and
finding helpful disability-focused local and statewide resources.
The training also includes a hands-on activity using real-life scenarios. Participants will leave with easy-to-use materials to support preparedness planning with their clients and families.
We are so excited to bring this training to OAAS Regions 7 and 8 as part of a statewide effort across all nine OAAS regions.
Want to learn more about OAAS programs & services? Visit: OAAS Website
*Closed to the Public*
Emergency Preparedness Training for Support Coordinator & Providers — Region 5 (ImCal HSA)
Disability Access Solutions is excited to host an emergency preparedness training for the Support Coordinator and providers serving Region 5 — Imperial Calcasieu Human Services Authority (ImCal HSA)!
“Emergency Preparedness Planning with People who are Aging and/or have Disabilities” will introduce disability support personnel to emergency preparedness for people with disabilities as well as provide actionable skills to support their clients’ personal preparedness. Topics covered during this training will include:
Engaging those you serve in personal preparedness planning,
CMIST Framework,
Roles in emergency preparedness, and
Emergency preparedness resources for the disability community.
The training will conclude with a closing activity which will allow attendees to apply their newly acquired knowledge to real-world scenarios. Attendees will leave with a packet of emergency preparedness resources which can be used during development and review of client care plans.
*Closed to the Public*
Terrebonne Parish Hurricane Meeting
Several parishes across Louisiana are hosting their annual hurricane preparedness meetings ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. These meetings bring together local and state partners to share helpful updates, preparedness information, and valuable resources for the upcoming season.
Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30, 2026
Our team is looking forward to attending the Terrebonne Parish Hurricane Meeting to connect with community partners, gather preparedness resources and information, and continue supporting disability-inclusive emergency planning and recovery efforts throughout the region.
*Closed to the Public*
Emergency Preparedness Training — OAAS Regions 2 & 3
The Disability Assessment & Coordination Entity is partnering with the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS) to assist support coordinators and providers in strengthening emergency preparedness for the individuals and families they serve.
This training is designed to help participants feel more confident and prepared. We’ll share simple, practical steps and tools that can be used to stay safe and support others before, during, and after a disaster.
Participants will learn about:
talking through and creating emergency plans with those they serve;
using the CMIST Framework to support inclusive planning;
understanding roles during emergencies; and
finding helpful disability-focused local and statewide resources.
The training also includes a hands-on activity using real-life scenarios. Participants will leave with easy-to-use materials to support preparedness planning with their clients and families.
We are so excited to bring this training to OAAS Regions 2 and 3 as part of a statewide effort across all nine OAAS regions.
Want to learn more about OAAS programs & services? Visit: OAAS Website
*Closed to the Public*
Emergency Preparedness Training — OAAS Regions 1, 6, & 9
The Disability Assessment & Coordination Entity is partnering with the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS) to assist support coordinators and providers in strengthening emergency preparedness for the individuals and families they serve.
This training is designed to help participants feel more confident and prepared. We’ll share simple, practical steps and tools that can be used to stay safe and support others before, during, and after a disaster.
Participants will learn about:
talking through and creating emergency plans with those they serve;
using the CMIST Framework to support inclusive planning;
understanding roles during emergencies; and
finding helpful disability-focused local and statewide resources.
The training also includes a hands-on activity using real-life scenarios. Participants will leave with easy-to-use materials to support preparedness planning with their clients and families.
We are so excited to bring this training to OAAS Regions 1, 6, and 9 as part of a statewide effort across all nine OAAS regions.
Want to learn more about OAAS programs & services? Visit: OAAS Website
*Closed to the Public*
Vermilion Parish Hurricane Meeting
Several parishes across Louisiana are hosting their annual hurricane preparedness meetings ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. These meetings bring together local and state partners to share helpful updates, preparedness information, and valuable resources for the upcoming season.
Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30, 2026
Our team is looking forward to attending the Vermilion Parish Hurricane Meeting to connect with community partners, gather preparedness resources and information, and continue supporting disability-inclusive emergency planning and recovery efforts throughout the region.
*Closed to the Public*
Tangipahoa Parish Hurricane Meeting
Several parishes across Louisiana are hosting their annual hurricane preparedness meetings ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. These meetings bring together local and state partners to share helpful updates, preparedness information, and valuable resources for the upcoming season.
Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30, 2026
Our team is looking forward to attending the Tangipahoa Parish Hurricane Meeting to connect with community partners, gather preparedness resources and information, and continue supporting disability-inclusive emergency planning and recovery efforts throughout the region.
*Closed to the Public*
Terrebonne Parish’s Disability Disaster Preparedness Workshop
Join us for an opportunity to learn practical preparedness skills, connect with local resources, and hear from emergency preparedness partners from across the region!
Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center
Thursday, May 28 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/Terrebonne052826
This year’s workshop will feature:
Emergency preparedness basics
Weather terminology & reporting
Terrebonne Parish resources
Evacuation & shelter-in-place planning
Shelters, pets, & service animals
Disability-specific breakout groups
Vendor tables, networking, and more!
Lunch provided by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office.
A special thank you to all of the community members, partner organizations, presenters, and local agencies helping coordinate this event and support a more prepared and connected community in Terrebonne Parish.
View the full event flyer here.
Livingston Parish Hurricane Meeting
Several parishes across Louisiana are hosting their annual hurricane preparedness meetings ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. These meetings bring together local and state partners to share helpful updates, preparedness information, and valuable resources for the upcoming season.
Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30, 2026
Our team is looking forward to attending the Livingston Parish Hurricane Meeting to connect with community partners, gather preparedness resources and information, and continue supporting disability-inclusive emergency planning and recovery efforts throughout the region.
*Closed to the Public*
Terrebonne Parish Hurricane Meeting
Several parishes across Louisiana are hosting their annual hurricane preparedness meetings ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. These meetings bring together local and state partners to share helpful updates, preparedness information, and valuable resources for the upcoming season.
Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30, 2026
Our team is looking forward to attending the Terrebonne Parish Hurricane Meeting to connect with community partners, gather preparedness resources and information, and continue supporting disability-inclusive emergency planning and recovery efforts throughout the region.
*Closed to the Public*
Allen Parish Hurricane Meeting
Several parishes across Louisiana are hosting their annual hurricane preparedness meetings ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. These meetings bring together local and state partners to share helpful updates, preparedness information, and valuable resources for the upcoming season.
Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30, 2026
Our team is looking forward to attending the Allen Parish Hurricane Meeting to connect with community partners, gather preparedness resources and information, and continue supporting disability-inclusive emergency planning and recovery efforts throughout the region.
*Closed to the Public*
Lafayette Parish Hurricane Meeting
Several parishes across Louisiana are hosting their annual hurricane preparedness meetings ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. These meetings bring together local and state partners to share helpful updates, preparedness information, and valuable resources for the upcoming season.
Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30, 2026
Our team is looking forward to attending the Lafayette Parish Hurricane Meeting to connect with community partners, gather preparedness resources and information, and continue supporting disability-inclusive emergency planning and recovery efforts throughout the region.
*Closed to the Public*
Jefferson Davis Parish Hurricane Meeting
Several parishes across Louisiana are hosting their annual hurricane preparedness meetings ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. These meetings bring together local and state partners to share helpful updates, preparedness information, and valuable resources for the upcoming season.
Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30, 2026
Our team is looking forward to attending the Jefferson Davis Parish Hurricane Meeting to connect with community partners, gather preparedness resources and information, and continue supporting disability-inclusive emergency planning and recovery efforts throughout the region.
*Closed to the Public*
St. Helena Parish Hurricane Meeting
Several parishes across Louisiana are hosting their annual hurricane preparedness meetings ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. These meetings bring together local and state partners to share helpful updates, preparedness information, and valuable resources for the upcoming season.
Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30, 2026
Our team is looking forward to attending the St. Helena Parish Hurricane Meeting to connect with community partners, gather preparedness resources and information, and continue supporting disability-inclusive emergency planning and recovery efforts throughout the region.
*Closed to the Public*
Iberia Parish Hurricane Meeting
Several parishes across Louisiana are hosting their annual hurricane preparedness meetings ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. These meetings bring together local and state partners to share helpful updates, preparedness information, and valuable resources for the upcoming season.
Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30, 2026
Our team is looking forward to attending the St. Mary Parish Hurricane Meeting to connect with community partners, gather preparedness resources and information, and continue supporting disability-inclusive emergency planning and recovery efforts throughout the region.
*Closed to the Public*
St. Tammany Parish Hurricane Meeting
Several parishes across Louisiana are hosting their annual hurricane preparedness meetings ahead of the 2026 hurricane season. These meetings bring together local and state partners to share helpful updates, preparedness information, and valuable resources for the upcoming season.
Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30, 2026
Our team is looking forward to attending the St. Tammany Parish Hurricane Meeting to connect with community partners, gather preparedness resources and information, and continue supporting disability-inclusive emergency planning and recovery efforts throughout the region.
*Closed to the Public*