Police CARE about people with autism
by Debbie
Here’s a story from the Northwest Press to warm your hearts for the new year. The Children And Residents Encounter (CARE) program was the brainchild of police officer Nick McCarthy, who has a child on the autism spectrum. CARE invited residents with special needs and their caregivers to an open house to meet officers.
Colerain Township Police Officer Nick McCarthy is spearheading the project. The program includes a voluntary registry of persons with special needs and cues to help officers who might come in contact with them as to how to best approach and offer help.
At the open house, residents with autism and other disabilities had a chance to meet and be more comfortable with police officers and fire fighters. They wore a variety of uniforms so the special needs residents would be familiar with whatever uniform an officer or firefighter might be wearing. All the vehicles were on display, too!
Elizabeth Schaub, whose 6-year-old son Cameron Vearil is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, said the program gives her son a chance to see the vehicles and officers up close and build a rapport.
Cameron’s mom said that having him be familiar with the officers, the vehicles and the uniforms is a great idea. The event was incredible, and it gave parents and caregivers a chance to ask questions about the program and to register for CARE. About 80 people were there to take it all in.
Thank you, Nick. You’ve made a true impact on our community. Happy New Year from all of us at Easter Seals Work Resource Center!