There has been significant regional effort by the Autism Society, The Arc of Northern Virginia, the Virginia Ability Alliance and the Fairfax Long Term Care Committee to address the need for training police officers to be aware of how persons with disabilities may react when police are called and a 911 pre-notification system. There is a meeting scheduled with Fairfax County 9-1-1 Director, Bill Kang, and Office of Emergency Management Director, Seamus Mooney, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 23.
Thomas B. Bash, a concerned parent involved, is looking to have as many ID/DD advocates on hand at the February 23rd meeting to make a point specific to the need to have police training and 911 pre-notification in support of persons with ID and DD. Please consider lending your support. If you plan to attend the meeting on Thursday February 23, please email Thomas Bash at Tombash@verizon.net.
“The 911 pre notification would allow families or even organizations to have on file for the police or other first responders instructions for interfacing with a person with ID or DD so that when the police or a first responder shows up the likelihood of an event escalating is minimized.” Thomas Bash
“Folks, individuals with disabilities are seven times more likely to have an interaction with law enforcement personnel than the general public. That is a statistical FACT! So, how do you and family members prepare for that eventuality? I (Scott) have done over 330 autism awareness and safety classes since 2005 in mostly Northern Virginia with over a third of them for law enforcement audiences. I have done training for thousands of law enforcement officers, and it is my view that they want to do the right thing when it comes to an interaction with someone with a disability. However, they need and want your help in knowing about and understanding your loved one before they have that first interaction. Please inform and disclose information about your loved one before that first encounter. If you have any questions about anything please feel free to CALL me at 703 969-6730.” Scott Campbell, a parent, advocate and member of the Autism Society
In addition to this meeting The Arc of Northern Virginia invites you to attend a FREE Workshop & panel (available by webinar too) on safety and justice on March 8th.
Safety and Justice for People with Developmental Disabilities Panel Presentation
Safety and Justice for People with Developmental Disabilities Panel Presentation – March 8, 12:00pm -1:30pm
Please join us on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, from 12-1:30 PM for a Safety and Justice for People with Developmental Disabilities Panel, to be held live in person and via webinar. Presenters will talk about how to make a safety plan to prevent your loved one with a disability from having negative interactions with first responders, as well a discussion on what to do if your loved one does have an experience with law enforcement. This panel presentation will feature an attorney, a family advocate and police officer trainer, a self-advocate and his mom talking about their emergency preparations, a local official talking about how counties are planning and preparing to meet this need, and others. They will share personal experiences and answer your questions. Participants in this session will receive a free copy of The Arc of Northern Virginia’s justice guide for families and people with developmental disabilities.
The “In-person” presentation takes place at:
The Arc of Northern Virginia
2755 Hartland Road, Suite 200
Falls Church, VA 22043
REGISTER HERE
Can’t make the presentation in person?
Join our Live Webinar
REGISTER HERE