Clarington Fire crews have new tools to support autistic community members

Clarington, Ontario – The Municipality of Clarington is pleased to provide new training and new sensory support kits for Clarington Fire and Emergency Services.

Communication and sensory processing differences present unique challenges for first responders supporting the growing number of neurodivergent and autistic residents.

The Municipality is providing sensory kits for each of the eight Clarington fire trucks. The kits contain items that can help regulate sensory input, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses for light, scented stickers for odour, fidget spinners and poppers for tactile relief, and, to prompt and aid communication, Picture Exchange Communication cards (PECS) and notebooks.

“These kits are a valuable new tool on our fire trucks. This important initiative will help Clarington firefighters better support neurodivergent residents at the scene of an incident,” said Clarington Fire Chief David Speed.

: The kits contain items that can help regulate sensory input, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses for light, scented stickers for odour, fidget spinners and poppers for tactile relief, and, to prompt and aid communication, Picture Exchange Communication cards (PECS) and notebooks.

Photo above: The kits contain items that can help regulate sensory input, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses for light, scented stickers for odour, fidget spinners and poppers for tactile relief, and, to prompt and aid communication, Picture Exchange Communication cards (PECS) and notebooks.

Throughout April, Clarington firefighters participated in special training to better understand autism and discuss response strategies. The training sessions were developed in collaboration with autistic adults and family caregivers from Autism Home Base Durham. This local non-profit organization supports autistic adults and their families.

Clarington firefighters participated in special training to better understand autism and discuss response strategies with Judy Hanson and Hannah Warner from Autism Home Base.

Photo above: Clarington firefighters participated in special training to better understand autism and discuss response strategies with Judy Hanson and Hannah Warner from Autism Home Base.

"This pivotal training gives first responders the knowledge they need to evaluate an individual in an emergency situation and to feel confident that the actions they take will lead to the most successful outcome," said Judy Hanson, CEO of Autism Home Base. "We are thrilled to be working with Clarington Firefighters and so grateful for their commitment."

With the training complete, the sensory kits will launch in Clarington fire trucks in the first week of May.

“Thank you to Autism Home Base for providing the training. This is a great inclusive solution,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.

Background

The new training and sensory kits follow Clarington’s ground-breaking safety program, Think Ahead. Families of children with special needs can invite Clarington firefighters into their homes for a safety inspection and to discuss an emergency plan. Firefighters get to meet the children in a low-stress environment and learn how they might react during a fire. Call 905-623-5126 or email fireprevention@clarington.net for more information on Think Ahead.

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Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Jennifer O’Meara
Policy and Communications Advisor
905-260-2844 or jomeara@clarington.net