Advisory Board Spotlight: Interview with Sadie Martinez

Domestic Preparedness Journal Advisor Sadie Martinez is the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s access and functional needs coordinator. She supports state agencies and local jurisdictions in the development of inclusive, whole community emergency-operations plans that adequately account for people with access and functional needs. She provides emergency-preparedness workshops and serves as the access and functional needs subject matter expert during state-level planning initiatives. Sadie uses the CMIST resource framework, which provides a whole-community inclusion approach to identify the actual resource needs of the community in Communication, Maintaining Health/Medical, Independence, Support Services and Safety, and Transportation (CMIST) resources, rather than a specific “special need” or vulnerability. This helps responders and agencies better understand what capabilities to acquire before, during, and after a disaster by approaching access and functional needs from a resource perspective. It also helps create a shared language that reaches across language, disability, under-resourced, under-served barriers, and emergency management.

Nicolette: Good afternoon. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Sadie Martinez, a valued member of our advisory board. Sadie Martinez serves as the access and functional needs coordinator for the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. In this role, she supports state agencies and local jurisdictions in developing inclusive, whole-community emergency operations plans that fully account for individuals with access and functional needs. Excellent, Sadie. Let’s get started. What inspired you to join the advisory board?

Sadie Martinez: Thank you. What inspired me to join the board was a conversation I had with Cathy at the International Association for Emergency Management Conference. We were discussing our respective roles, what she does and what I do. Even then, and still today, the inclusion of access and functional needs in emergency management is not widely understood. What I mean by that is the practical application—how to align the “must-dos” with the “how-tos” in making emergency management truly inclusive.

I saw this as a great opportunity to enhance understanding of who individuals with access and functional needs are and why it’s crucial to develop plans with the community, rather than just for the community. We often don’t realize what we don’t know because we lack that lived experience. The majority of emergency managers don’t provide direct services to community members who may need additional resources to function in daily life. That’s why I joined—this platform allows me to extend the work I’m doing in Colorado, connect with others tackling similar challenges, and collaborate on solutions that drive real change.

Nicolette: That aligns perfectly with our mission at Domestic Preparedness—ensuring that emergency managers of the future have a reliable resource. Our slogan, “Expert Insights for Safer Communities,” reflects our commitment to lessons learned and the importance of collaboration. From what you’ve shared, I can tell you prioritize that same approach, and I truly appreciate your perspective. It makes all the difference in shaping how future emergency managers recognize the value of working together.

Sadie Martinez: Absolutely. And I would add that we don’t just focus on lessons learned—we take it a step further by applying those lessons. We demonstrate how lessons learned can be transformed into action and continuously worked on until they become the new normal. It’s not just about checking a box; it’s about creating training opportunities and presentations that ensure these lessons are integrated into ongoing practices.

Nicolette: I completely see why you value that approach. It’s not just about having a plan—it’s about developing a blueprint for better preparedness and recovery. That makes it easier for emergency planners, local officials, and frontline responders to manage disasters more effectively. We must take what we’ve learned and apply it. That’s how Domestic Preparedness remains a continuous learning resource. I couldn’t agree more—it’s a critical piece of the puzzle.

Sadie Martinez: And when we talk about shifting the culture, it’s important to move beyond viewing access and functional needs solely as a demographic issue. Instead, we need to look at it from a resource disruption perspective. This approach ensures that no one is excluded—not just individuals who fit into predefined demographic categories.

For example, some individuals may not identify as being part of a specific demographic group but still require essential resources. Older adults may not see themselves as part of the “aging community.” Someone using a CPAP machine or managing diabetes may not identify as having a disability. People with asthma or temporary mobility issues might not consider themselves as needing accommodation.

By focusing on resource disruptions—such as access to communication, healthcare, independence, support services, safety, and transportation—we can ensure that emergency management is truly inclusive. I use a memory tool for this: CMIST (Communication, Maintaining Health, Independence, Support Services, and Transportation). It helps keep these critical needs at the forefront of planning.

Nicolette: That’s an excellent framework. Let’s dive into the next question. Can you share a bit about your background and how it ties into emergency preparedness? I know you’ve touched on this, but is there a particular event or experience that reshaped your perspective on emergency preparedness?

Sadie Martinez: Absolutely. The term access and functional needs is specific to emergency management—it’s not commonly used in public health or human services, even though those fields regularly serve people with disabilities, underserved communities, and those who are often left behind in emergency planning.

Emergency managers don’t typically receive training in humanities, social services, or public health. Our focus is on resource coordination—getting critical supplies and support to people while protecting lives and property. The challenge is that when we assign labels without clear guidance on implementation, inclusion becomes overwhelming. There are plenty of laws, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but few practical training opportunities on how to ensure inclusion in emergency management.

That’s where the CMIST approach comes in—it creates a universal language that bridges gaps across disciplines. It’s about identifying resource needs instead of focusing on labels.

A defining moment for me was during the massive blizzard of 2019. We received reports that 500 people had “access and functional needs.” When the planning team approached me for assistance, my first question was, “What exactly does that mean?” Were they lacking communication resources? Healthcare access? Independence support? Safety provisions? Transportation?

After digging deeper, we realized the majority of these individuals were refugees who had never experienced a blizzard before. They didn’t have disabilities or specific medical needs—they simply needed information in their native language on how to stay safe and where to access warm shelter. It was a communication need, not a medical or physical need. That moment reinforced the importance of breaking things down into a shared language that works across all aspects of emergency management.

Nicolette: That’s a powerful insight. At Domestic Preparedness, we also prioritize ensuring that no community is overlooked. Even in how we communicate and promote emergency preparedness, we aim to make information as inclusive as possible. Your work aligns perfectly with that mission. What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in preparedness right now?

Sadie Martinez: The biggest challenge—and opportunity—is identifying who is missing from the planning table and inviting them to participate. We can’t know what we don’t know until those voices are included.

Trust is also a major factor. Some communities don’t trust emergency management at any level—local, state, or federal. But their lives still matter. If they see emergency management as a threat rather than a resource, they may not seek help, which could cost lives.

This is why community connectors are crucial. These could be faith leaders, case managers, or local advocates who act as liaisons. It’s about finding the right messengers to build trust and ensure that preparedness reaches everyone.

Nicolette: That makes perfect sense. Trust is foundational. Now, what’s one key takeaway you’d like to share with our readers about staying prepared?

Sadie Martinez: Assess your CMIST resource needs and prepare for potential disruptions. Whether you’re an individual, an organization, or a community leader, it’s critical to understand what resources are essential to your daily life and plan for any gaps.

Also, check in on your neighbors. If you identify a resource gap in your community, be a voice to help bridge that gap. I like to call this role the zero responder—you’re the first to recognize a need, even before first responders arrive.

Nicolette: That’s such a profound point. Before we wrap up, do you have any advice for someone new to the field?

Sadie Martinez: Yes—learn what access and functional needs truly mean and why they matter. Move beyond the buzzword of “whole community inclusion” and ensure that inclusion is embedded in planning from the start.

Emergency management is full of good people doing great work, but without input from those with lived experience, we may unintentionally overlook critical needs. Having the right voices at the planning table is essential.

Nicolette: Wow, Sadie, this has been such an enlightening conversation. I truly appreciate your time. Let’s plan for a follow-up discussion soon!

Sadie Martinez: Thank you! It’s an honor to share this. These conversations create ripple effects, and I’m excited to continue the dialogue. We also have an annual Access and Functional Needs Conference and a National Access and Functional Needs Symposium—great opportunities to keep building on this work. It’s all about continuous improvement—turning lessons learned into lessons applied.

Nicolette: That’s incredible. Thank you again, Sadie Martinez. Let’s talk soon!