Triad Hosts Autism Society of Central Virginia for First Responder Seminar
By: Deputy Ron Kesner, Triad Coordinator, Orange County Sheriff ’ s Office
On January 17, the Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) Triad Division partnered with the Autism Society of Central Virginia (ASCV) to host a two - hour seminar at the Public Safety Building familiarizing first responders and other groups with best practices to identify and interact with citizens who have a diagnosis of Autism.
The presenters for the program were Rachel Pretlow, M.H. Sc., ASCV ’ s Community Engagement Manager, and William Hamilton, an ASCV volunteer and retired Sergeant from the New York Police Department (NYPD). Rachel has a diagnosis of Autism and uses this personal perspective to promote a better understanding of Autism. Through family connections, William also has a personal perspective. His background includes designing training for NYPD officers on interacting with Autistic persons. Topics covered during the seminar included common characteristics of Autistic individuals, primary reasons for emergency response calls involving people with Autism, de - escalation protocols for interacting with Autistic individuals, and accommodations for improving interactions with community members with Autism. At the conclusion of the seminar, sensory intervention kits were distributed to the attendees. The kits included headphones, fidget items, and mood/sensory communication cards. Attendees of the seminar included OCSO school resource officers, County of Orange Fire & EMS staff, Triad volunteers, Orange County Department of Social Services staff, Town of Gordonsville police officers, Orange County Emergency Communications staff, Albemarle County Triad members, and representatives of Special Olympics. Triad and the attendees are grateful to ASCV for providing their insight into ways our agencies can better serve all members of our community.
Page 3 | February 2024
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter