Pct. 6 Constable Zack Harkness has introduced a new safety program called the “Occupant with Autism” sticker initiative.
These 4-inch X 4-inch stickers, offered free of charge, can be placed on a vehicle window or a home window to alert first responders that someone inside may not respond to verbal commands in the usual way.
Harkness says the idea came from a resident of the Colony Ridge community, a parent of a child with autism, who shared their concern during a community meeting earlier this year. Harkness and his office worked to make the program a reality to help protect individuals with autism during emergencies.
The stickers are available for pickup at the Pct. 6 Constable’s Office, 306 Campbell Street in Cleveland.
In emergency situations, a person with autism might not respond to verbal commands, could become overwhelmed, or may act in ways that first responders might not expect.
The stickers give law enforcement and emergency personnel an important signal so they can adjust their approach with care and patience.
“Our goal is to give families a simple tool that can make a big difference in an emergency. These stickers let first responders know that someone inside may have autism and may not respond to verbal commands,” said Harkness, adding that this helps “provide safer and more effective assistance.”
Harkness say this program is designed to give families peace of mind while giving first responders an extra tool to help keep the community safe.
Great idea! I need two stickers for my son.