We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a Kevin and Avonte Program Grant by the Bureau of Justice Assistance to support our “Creating Autism-Friendly Communities First Responder Training” program over a 3-year period. This program is dedicated to promoting safe and appropriate interactions between first responders and individuals with autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Central Virginia.
With the support of this grant, we will be able to:
- Provide in-person training to first responders, empowering them with knowledge and confidence to interact with individuals with autism or ASD appropriately.
- Offer prevention and response information and resources to our community to enhance awareness and safety.
- Organize community events and targeted outreach initiatives to increase public awareness, bridging the gap between the autism community and criminal justice stakeholders.
Program Highlights: The “Creating Autism-Friendly Communities First Responder Training” program offers in-person training, prevention and response information, and education on how to approach and assist individuals with autism or ASD. We believe this grant will help us achieve our goals, such as improving interactions between law enforcement and the autism community, building essential bridges, and enhancing public awareness of missing persons with autism or ASD.
This grant is a significant step towards making Central Virginia more inclusive and safe for everyone. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and initiatives. Together, we can create Autism Friendly Communities and make a positive impact on the lives of many.