Ep. 409 ACSSSD - Bridging the Gap between Law Enforcement, Disabilities, and Community Support

On this episode, Erin Lichtenwalner tells us about the development and implementation of a program designed to educate law enforcement and other first responders about interacting with individuals with disabilities. It details how a specific incident involving a student with autism prompted the creation of specialized training. The training aims to equip officers with the knowledge and tools to de-escalate situations, understand sensory sensitivities, and communicate effectively with people who have a range of disabilities. This has led to positive outcomes, including officers seeking guidance and using new strategies in real-world scenarios. The initiative has expanded to include crisis intervention team (CIT) training and the creation of a special needs registry.

https://www.acsssd.net/