(GREENVILLE)- Loud sirens, big trucks, people with uniforms, masks, and tanks can create a scary and confusing situation for some children. For children with different abilities or learning styles, emergencies can present a unique set of challenges. As a result, first responders, families, and individuals often face complications and potential risks when an emergency occurs.
The Touch a Truck for Autism team united to provide an experience where individuals with autism or different learning abilities can become familiar with our first responders, their uniforms, trucks, sirens, and equipment. The children will have the time and individual attention to ask all of the questions they may have, and the first responders can customize the event for the population of children in attendance. The desired outcome is that when an emergency occurs, individuals will know what to do and how to respond, allowing first responders to bring everyone at risk to safety.
The inaugural event will be held on Wednesday, May 9, in two sessions (9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.-2:45 p.m.) at Einstein Academy, a private school that teaches children with ADHD, autism, high-functioning autism, central auditory processing disorder, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other learning difficulties.
This collaboration includes the Greenville Police Department, Greenville Fire Department, Greenville County EMS, and Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital. The goal of the event is to establish a program model that can be replicated for years to come and serve school groups and others that work with this population. All of the agencies have signed on as sustainable partners for this project.
The media is encouraged to attend. The school has releases for all kids and are pro-publicity regarding this awesome partnership.