Poughkeepsie, NY … September is National Preparedness Month and Dutchess County is helping residents to ThinkDIFFERENTLY about being ready for an emergency when people have autism or other neurodevelopmental challenges. Dutchess County’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY team has organized two events this month to help prepare both first responders and families – First Responder Autism Training on September 18th and a Sensory Sensitive Open House at East Fishkill Fire Department, open to all County residents, on September 28th. Registration is required for both events.
County Executive Sue Serino said, “Every second matters in an emergency and being prepared can make all the difference – especially for families with autism or other neurodevelopmental challenges. First responders need to be prepared to handle emergencies involving residents on the autism spectrum with speed, sensitivity and understanding. These events help build stronger connections between first responders and the families they serve, improving the safety and well-being of our community. We encourage responders and families to take advantage of these opportunities!”
On Wednesday, Sept. 18, ThinkDIFFERENTLY, together with the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response, is again hosting First Responder Autism Training. The County has hosted this training multiple times since 2017, with nationally renowned instructors Captain Bill Cannata and Lt. Jimmy Donohoe educating first responders how to best interact with individuals with autism during an emergency. Held at the Henry A. Wallace Center at the FDR Presidential Library and Home in Hyde Park, this full-day training is open to all first responders in Dutchess County; registration is required and available at dutchessny.gov/autismtraining.
On Saturday, September 28th, residents with disabilities and their families are invited to a sensory-sensitive First Responder Meet & Greet from 10 a.m. to noon at the East Fishkill Fire Department, located at 2502 Route 52 in Hopewell Junction. This is a great opportunity for families to meet first responders in a sensory-sensitive environment, with no flashing lights or sirens, to get familiar with the equipment, gear and vehicles that first responders utilize in an emergency. Capacity is limited, and registration is required; families can register at https://bit.ly/47B080x by September 27.
Dutchess County All Abilities Programs Director Dana Hopkins said, “Understanding first responders, their vehicles and practices is crucial for families with children on the autism spectrum. We hope this event enhances safety during emergencies and fosters smoother interactions with emergency personnel, and we invite families to attend.”
Residents with disabilities and their families are also reminded to sign up for the Dutchess County Access & Functional Needs Registry – a voluntary, confidential list of residents who may need extra assistance, transportation or a place to stay if a major emergency or disaster requires evacuation. Registering before an emergency allows response agencies to plan more effectively. Residents who are eligible can sign up at dutchessny.gov/afnregistry to help first responders understand any special assistance they may need during an emergency or evacuation.
For more information on how to prepare for emergencies, visit Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response’s webpages for general and seasonal preparedness.
To learn more about County’s successful ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative, visit thinkdifferently.net.
