Autism Awareness Program Launched By Kalamazoo Sheriff’s Office

As technology and medicine continue to advance in our world, we begin to learn more about ourselves as humans and some of the things we deal with. The more we can learn about our bodies and minds, the easier interactions with each other become. This is very key and helpful when working with the mentally and physically disabled community.

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Many times, we have seen high emotion situations become worse because someone with a disability is present and some parties may be unaware of this. Often times, this has to do with mental disabilities more than physical but either way, the lack of information can quickly escalate the situation.

One of the disabilities that this occurs with the most is Autism, especially since it is a spectrum that has varying levels of severity. I understand both sides as the individual has been startled, their routine is disturbed, and they are confused but at the same time, a cop has someone not responding to their orders in a tense situation.

Have You Heard Of The New Autism Awareness Program In Kalamazoo?

It's a lose-lose for both parties that can quickly get out of hand. Luckily, this has been something that officials are looking for ways to improve and minimize risk. The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office has introduced an Autism awareness program where officials will be providing decals to homes and vehicles to notify officers that an Autisitic child may either be in the home or car.

According to WoodTv via MSN there is some initial feedback on the decals:

Among the positive feedback, there is some criticism. Part of the autism community is stepping away from the puzzle piece icon, opting for the infinity symbol with a rainbow color gradient. Michigan State Police and the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office have similar programs, both using the puzzle piece iconography.

 

“If I could, I would make the background red and just have an Infinity symbol and use ‘autistic child’ instead of ‘child with autism,'” she said.

 

“We actively engage and like hearing community feedback, whether it’s positive or negative; it helps us grow. While the puzzle piece is nationally used and accepted, we recognize that things change, and we definitely want to be as inclusive as we can moving forward,” said Undersheriff Michelle Greenlee.

Those interested in the program can pick them decals from the Sheriff's Office or request one from a deputy at any time. The current sticker uses the multicolored puzzle pieces and places warnings with use caution when approaching the home or vehicle.