You’ve seen the news reports – a tragic story of a child who has wandered, a teen who is misunderstood, a person who is uncomprehending in a dangerous situation. How many of these situations could have been avoided?
Many have recognized that more must be done to train law enforcement and first responders to effectively deal with individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our loved ones with autism also need training on how to interact without fear, to recognize that a first responder can be of help, and that self-advocacy is necessary in protecting themselves from harm. Families also want to ensure that in dangerous situations, first responders have all the information they need to understand and support individuals with disabilities, and want to share that information in a proactive way.
In 2017 we are partnering with Pathfinders for Autism to welcome police officers, firefighters and other first responders at three Southern Maryland training events in Understanding Autism and Other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, which is MPCTC, Corrections, and MEIMSS Certified state-mandated instruction for Law Enforcement and First Responders.
We are also partnering with Pathfinders and ARC of Southern Maryland to teach our teens and adults (aged 13 and older) positive ways to interact with the law or first responders, so they understand what is happening in confrontational or dangerous situations, even as they want to be understood in return. We welcome them to come watch BE SAFE The Movie and learn from Pathfinders how to interact effectively!
Join Us on Wednesday May 17, 2017 in Prince Frederick!
6:00 – 8:30 pm – BE SAFE Interactive Movie Screening
Join Us on Thursday June 8, 2017 in St. Mary’s City!
12:00 – 4:00 pm – Understanding Autism and Other Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
6:00 – 8:30 pm – BE SAFE Interactive Movie Screening
All training is free and all materials are provided. To register, please go to our Law Enforcement Training page or our BE SAFE Interactive Screening page! You can register online using the Google Forms or contact us to register!
NOTE: If you can’t make the dates listed here for “Understanding Autism,” consider attending the MPCTC class in Sykesville on June 22, 2017! Here is the link to that event: http://www.pathfindersforautism.org/news/view/502
We are also expanding the information we are providing about wandering/elopment, safety in emergencies, and voluntary registration for individuals with disabilities or medical fragility on local, regional and national databases in order for emergency personnel to support them in times of crisis. Please check out that information by going HERE!
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
We believe that a supportive community should be an informed community. Family members and caregivers of individuals with special needs, special education teachers and para-educators, behaviorists, therapists, adult services staff, school administrators and transition specialists, medical providers, and other concerned professionals are welcome to observe the Certified Law Enforcement/First Responder Training. Limited space is available for observing BE SAFE Interactive Training. Please contact us at (240) 561-8860 in advance of attending either event to find out if space is available. Donations to support the costs related to hosting any of these training events is welcome and gratefully accepted.
Contact us at 240-561-8860 or email jnicholas@autismsupport-somd.org if you have any questions!