Photos: First Responders learn about Autism
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara has long advocated for creating better programs statewide, including standardized training for first responders in how to effectively communicate with people who are on the spectrum. This training took place at the Shaker Road-Loudonville Firehouse last Friday.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Mike Tripodi, who is the emergency medical services coordinator with the Shaker Road Loudonville Fire Department and is on the autism spectrum, spoke with first responders at the training Friday night. This month, Tripodi was named 2018 Advocate of the Year by the Albany Chapter of the Autism Society.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
With his son, Michael, by his side, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara addresses a group of more than 150 first responders from the Capital Region Friday night about how to recognize signs of autism. Michael, 16, at right, is on the spectrum, and Santabarbara has long advocated for creating better programs statewide, including standardized training for first responders in how to effectively communicate with people who are on the spectrum. This training was passed as part of this year’s final state budget. Santabarbara also wants to create a statewide voluntary, registration-based system of identification for people on the spectrum or with other disorders who are nonverbal.
The Enterprise — Michael Koff
Autism trainer Sergeant Jimmy Donohoe talks with more than 150 first responders gathered at the Shaker Road-Loudonville firehouse on April 20 about how to safely interact with people on the autism spectrum. Donohoe, who has a son with autism, spearheaded the Take Me Home program for the Pensacola Police Department, creating a database in which participants who are unable to speak can register with their photo, name, address, and other information, so that they can more readily be identified and reunited with family if they get lost. The Guilderland Police instituted a similar program in 2014.