Building Bridges for Safety: Inclusive First Responder Training
We believe that empowerment through knowledge and real-world experiences is key to creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with different life circumstances and abilities. That’s why we’re excited to see programs like the Sensory Friendly First Responder Safety Seminar making a difference in our community. Hosted by the Autism Society of Central Virginia and the Richmond Police Department, this immersive training event gave children and teens with autism the chance to interact with first responders in a safe, structured environment. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, learning what to do in real-world situations—such as traffic stops, emergency calls, and fire safety. Why These Trainings Matter For individuals with a disability, unfamiliar or high-stress interactions—especially with law enforcement or emergency personnel—can be challenging. Sensory sensitivities, communication differences, or unexpected responses may be misinterpreted in high-pressure moments. That’s ...