Stickers Available To Alert Responders To People With Special Needs

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has announced a new program aimed at alerting and preparing first responders of a possible special needs resident inside a residence or vehicle.

Caregivers or people with a variety of special needs, including autism, hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility/physical disability and those with sensory issues or cognitive differences can request a "Respond with Care" sticker to display on their vehicle or home so that law enforcement, fire personnel or EMS will know that they may need to make accommodations when interacting with the person.

A caregiver or person with a special need wishing to obtain a "Respond with Care" sticker can contact the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention & Community Awareness Unit at 727-582-2222.

Those receiving a sticker should display it in a prominent location on or near the front door of the residence. For vehicles, the sticker should be displayed on the rear window where an approaching first responder may see it.