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State Health and Senior Services Commissioner Poonam Alaigh joined police, firefighters and other emergency responders at the Center for Autism at The North Ward Center in Newark today to highlight the importance of autism awareness training for first responders.
The event, part of the Center for Autism's month-long series of training sessions for Autism Awareness Month in April, marked the official opening of The North Center for Autism. During the day, the Center for Autism offered free three, two-hour training sessions for police, firefighters, paramedics, teachers and parents.
"Providing this training to our first responders is a great way to introduce our new institution to the community during a month when the spotlight is on autism," said Michele Adubato, the deputy executive director of The North Ward Center, who also heads the Center for Autism. "We will provide more training sessions and other services to the urban community as the Center for Autism continues to grow in the next year."In 2008, the state enacted a law requiring training in autism and other developmental disabilities. The DHSS as well as the Department of Human Services, in consultation with Autism New Jersey, the New Jersey Fire and Emergency Medical Services Institute and the New Jersey State First Aid Council, developed the training curriculum.
"In an emergency, it can be difficult for first responders to recognize that someone they are trying to assist has a disability,'' Commissioner Alaigh said. "This specialized training is designed to alert first responders to the signs and symptoms of developmental disabilities so they can effectively communicate and care for people for those with special needs."State Sen. Teresa Ruiz, Newark Deputy Police Director Niles Wilson, Fire Chief Michael Lalor, Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Campos, Newark Child and Family Well-Being Director Maria Vizcarrondo, and Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura attended the event at the Center for Autism's Roseville Avenue facility. Dozens of first responders signed up to take the training sessions afterward.
"The state legislature recognized the importance of this issue when it passed legislation two years ago requiring all first responders to receive training in autism and other developmental disabilities," Ruiz said. "I commend the Center for Autism at The North Ward Center for offering programs like this, which are an important way to make sure our first responders get the training they need. This is a great example of a community group and the government working together."
Sheriff Fontoura said officers frequently come into contact with people with autism and other developmental disabilities.
"Since interaction between people with autism and law enforcement are stressful we welcome this opportunity to prepare our officers with the skills, training and compassion to best serve, protect and interact with this special needs group," Fontoura said.
Deputy Director Wilson said it is critical for police to know how to interact with people with autism and other developmental disabilities.
"This training will enable our Police Officers to learn how to protect and serve citizens with autism, and to help ensure that they do not become victims of crime," Deputy Director Wilson said. "This training speaks to the flexibility, professionalism, and sensitivity of our police officers, in being able to serve and assist our residents who are autistic and their families in time of crisis."
Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Campos said it was crucial in these economic times for organizations like the Center for Autism to partner with government agencies.
"We are happy to partner with The North Ward Center in promoting autism awareness and congratulate them on the opening of The Autism Center which will greatly benefit Newark residents, especially during these dire financial times when public resources are decreasing," Director Campos said. "I commend The North Ward Center for offering this valuable training to our public safety officials who, as a result, will be able to better protect and serve our residents and most vulnerable populations as first responders during an emergency situation."
Fire Chief Lalor said residents with autism and other developmental disabilities are at greater risk during fires and other emergencies.
"This training will enable our Fire Department to act appropriately to save the lives of autistic residents from autism in an emergency," Fire Chief Lalor said. "The Newark Fire Department has a long tradition of assisting and rescuing people in difficult situations, and this training will provide us with greater abilities to do so."
Director Vizcarrondo said, in many cases, health officials are the first-responders to an emergency situation involving hazardous materials, a dangerous animal, or fire rescue.
"Residents with autism require different case management by health care workers than other persons, because of their difficulties with communication, emotions, and behavior," Vizcarrondo said. "It's important that health care workers know how to address and recognize these issues, particularly when confronting them for the first time. I congratulate Michele Adubato and The North Ward Center for the opening of the Center for Autism and look forward to partnering with them."
The training sessions were led by Gary Weitzen, the executive director of Parents of Autistic Children, a non-profit group that provides training, services and outreach and support to children and adults with autism and their families and professionals who serve them.
"Research shows that persons with autism and other developmental disabilities are approximately seven times more likely to come in contact with law enforcement professionals than a member of the general population," said Weitzen, who has trained officers throughout the state, including Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, who was the Monmouth County Sheriff at the time.
Founded earlier this year, the Center for Autism has plans to provide an array of services for people with autism and developmental delays including, family support programs and advocacy, targeted case management, adult services and support, evaluation and diagnostic referral services, early intervention referral services and transition from school to adult life resources. In addition, the Center for Autism is seeking to create the first charter school in New Jersey that will serve students on the autism spectrum.
The Center for Autism is part of The North Ward Center, a non-profit community development organization in Newark founded in 1970 by Stephen N. Adubato. The North Ward Center runs a preschool for 680 children, an adult day care center that serves up to 120 daily and recreation programs for more than 3,500 children. The North Ward Center also founded Robert Treat Academy, a Blue Ribbon K-8 charter school with two campuses in Newark.
"Residents with autism and other developmental delays here in Newark need the services we are offering," said North Ward Center Executive Director Adrianne Davis. "And we are going to be there for them."
