East Haven Police Embrace, Implement Autism Safety Project 'Linked'

EAST HAVEN, CT —Noting it is committed to the autism and special needs community, the East Haven Police Department said it's working to "develop best practices and increasing the quality of services to all our residents" and is "always seeking new, innovative platforms to further provide greater services."

That innovation now includes the embrace of a program created by Ashley McCain, the mother of an autistic child.

The Linked- Autism Safety Project was born to help "build a relationship between emergency responders and the members of the Autism and special needs community."

Created as a collaborative effort with a network of public safety professionals, autism professionals and autism parents, each family that registers for the LINKED program will receive a Family Emergency Planning Folder with individualized instructions and a guide that includes tips and tools to navigate this program in a emergency situation.

“From one email to North Branford Police Department to a wraparound program that has been fully implemented in several communities throughout the state, we are thankful," McCain said. "The collaborations we've made, the partnerships that have been forged and the community that is being built is indescribable. We have connected municipalities, families, and most important we've built relationships. Collaborating with the East Haven Police Department has been wonderful, and we are so grateful for their willingness to partner with us through their genuine compassion to support our community. We are looking forward to continuing work with the East Haven Police Department and the East Haven community.”

The Family Emergency Planning Folders provide an emergency preparedness social story, created by professionals, which is a personalized learning tool containing text and illustration that supports the safe and meaningful exchange of information between parents, professionals, and people within the special needs community of all ages.

Patrol vehicles are equipped with a sensory kit which contains a variety of sensory products recommended by professionals in the field. To accompany the sensory kits, LINKED- Autism Safety Project is providing Emergency Picture Exchange Communication Systems, which is a picture communication tool for non-verbal residents developed by professionals to assist in the dialogue between the individual and emergency responders.

Caregivers can register online here. Or on the police department's website here.

Upon completing the registration form, this information is made available to first responders with important individualized information about the person with autism and within the special needs community. All registrations are secure and confidential and used only for the response of East Haven first responders.

“Implementing this new program is an excellent advancement for our Police Department and I’m eager to witness the positive impact and community inclusivity it will foster," Deputy Chief Pat Tracy said. "The training provided to our officers through this program included how to utilize sensory kits which have been distributed in our patrol vehicles. Families will register for this free program, which will provide vital information to first responders, assisting them to make an effective and thorough pre-arrival plan. By establishing this relationship with our autistic and special needs community, it is yet another opportunity for the Department to strengthen the trust and confidence in first responders ability to effectively communicate with all members of the community.”