Seward first responders get ‘eye-opening’ training, new tools to help people with autism
SEWARD, Neb. (KLKN) — Seward first responders are enhancing their understanding of autism with a new training program.
Police Chief Brian Peters said the training will expand the department’s reach to more citizens.
The Seward Police Department and the Seward Volunteer Fire Department each went through two-hour training sessions last week, in collaboration with the Autism Action Partnership.
Sensory kits were also given out.
Each police cruiser has a kit, which includes items like noise-canceling headphones to help with the heightened sensitivity of those on the spectrum.
Peters said this is a significant improvement.
“I think a lot of our interactions were hampered either because we didn’t realize that they were autistic or we didn’t really know how to really deal with them in the situation,” he said.
Peters highlighted the impact the training had on his own perspective by describing a drawing activity he completed and was then asked to do a different way.
“We were told to turn the picture upside down and do it backwards,” he said. “That was eye-opening for me because we don’t take enough time to look at things from their perspective.”
Peters said officers can handle each situation involving people with autism individually, possibly turning down their sirens or lights.
This training developed from the program Project Lifesaver, which launched a year ago.
It’s a system that gives monitoring wristbands to those on the spectrum.
“It’s just in the event that they elope or wander off that that program is put into use and is able to check the person,” Sgt. Russ Frazey said.
The police department is looking to expand the Lifesaver program by working with schools in the area to identify people who may need them.
