News from DAC NW
Your KEY to independence!
Changing a Response
In the United States, 50 percent of people killed by law enforcement are disabled, and more than half of disabled African-Americans have been arrested by the time they turn 28. A person with a disability may have trouble responding or communicating with first responders, resulting in a misunderstanding with the law. The ISAAC Foundation, based out of Spokane, WA seeks to change that. They have been providing training to first responders about the challenges of interacting with people who are blind, deaf, or have autism. They are providing free training with the help of Courageous Kids Climbing, another great group out of Boise, Idaho.
The first training will be held January 13th in Clarkston, Washington and focuses on interactions with people who have visual challenges or are blind. The training will last approximately 45 minutes and will include hand-on training with Caleb Hyndman, 14, of Lewiston. Any first responders are invited to attend and sessions will be held at 2:00 pm, 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm to accommotate shifts and volunteer firefighters. Resevations are encouraged.
The second training is Autism in the Wild at 1-5pm on February 26th in Clarkston, Washington. This multi-faceted program strives to do more than simply identify the inherent challenges first responders face when interacting with members of our community touched by autism and other disabilities. It will provide training on effective interaction techniques. Reservations are required.
Disability Action Center NW will be on hand at both events to provide free visor cards to people who are hard of hearing or deaf. These cards can be kept in your car and used to inform an officer immediately of your needs for communication. Information on other disability rights will be available.
For reservations contact courageouskidsclimbing@gmail.com
www.dacnw.org
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