Backing The Blue: First Responder Sensory Kits

Every day police officers encounter individuals in emergency situations. Not only do the emergencies differ from one to the next, but so do the individuals involved. Police are trained to respond to situations with a certain protocol, however certain protocols may not always be the best way to interact with people with disorders such as autism, sensory processing disorders or similar diagnosis. Recognizing the signs of autism and sensory disorders and knowing effective ways to approach an individual on the spectrum can minimize situations of risk or victimization of the individual, as well as our officers.

As a licensed speech language pathologist, I have collaborated with Firelands Regional Medical Center Children's S.P.O.T. for additional expertise from the occupational therapy team specific to sensory needs. The FRMC Children's S.P.O.T. Occupational Therapy team generously took the time to create a 10-minute training video for kit recipents.

 Support from NAMI Ohio must also be recognized, From substantial funding and networking across counties to delivering kits to individual departments, their participation has been an integral part of this project's success.

The Backing The Blue: First Responder Sensory Kits were curated with therapeutic items aimed to sooth, calm and help enhance communication for individuals with sensory concerns. Examples of items in the kits include:

• Noise Reducing earphones to reduce sounds in the environment
• Sunglasses in cases of light sensitivities
• Weighted Lap Pad
• Various Fidgets
• Dry Erase Bard with Marker
• Communication Boards for individuals with decreased communication skills

Awareness and education of first responders about disabilities increases their ability to provide an appropriate response and enhance safety for all. Therefore, a training video from an Occupational and Speech Therapy team can be found below addressing characteristics of autism and similar diagnoses, appropriate response/delivery of service, as well as how to best utilize the tools provided in the kit. Firelands Regional Medical Center Children's S.P.O.T. has designed the training presentation for this initiative. Hands-on training is provided by myself, upon request.

Kits cost approximately $40 each and are sponsored by individuals, organizations and businesses as to be provided to recipients at no cost to them.

Thank you to local organizations, newspapers, NAMI of NW Ohio, Erie, Huron, Seneca, Wyandot and Sandusky County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and Cedar Fairs (Cedar Point) for helping spread the word about this cause!

The Erie County Board of Developmental Disabilities, as well as Boards from Huron, Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties have provided generous donations to fund kits for their area law enforcement.

The Erie County Board of Developmental Disabilities, as well as Boards from Huron, Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties have provided generous donations to fund kits for their area law enforcement.