Autism Awareness Seatbelt Covers from the Dukes County Sheriff
April is Autism Awareness month, and Dukes County Sheriff Robert Ogden is excited to announce a seat belt cover program alerting first responders that the wearer is on the Autism spectrum and may respond to aiding emergency responders with resistance. The seatbelt covers are bright blue with the words, “I have Autism. I may resist help” emblazoned in white, and are free to community members, with funding support from the Dukes County Sheriff’s Association.
Our friend, Mark, takes his new seatbelt cover for a spin!
“As Sheriff, and as a member of the Island community, I see every day the importance of supporting our amazing first responders and families. Some individuals with Autism may resist help from First Responders during an emergency, and may not be able to communicate verbally. Interaction with professionals on the scene of an accident may be frightening for them and challenging for the first responders to navigate. Having this information displayed prominently communicates this essential information to Police and EMS in emergency situations when every bit of information makes a difference.” says Sheriff Ogden. “We hope this is helpful, especially during this time, with students of residential programs unexpectedly home with their parents and guardians, and spending more time in their personal vehicles.”
“The Island Autism Group is so thankful to The Dukes County Sheriff's Office for bringing this important issue to the attention of all Islanders.”, says Kate DeVane, President of the Island Autism Group, a non-profit program serving Autistic children and their families on Martha’s Vineyard. “We feel so supported by all the Island first responders and appreciate the recognition of Autism Awareness Month and also shedding light on a very difficult time for families with Autism and all disabilities. If you know a family who is at home with their child/ young adult with Autism, they may need groceries or medications picked up or just to know you are there for them. We are such a supportive community and the Sheriff's Office’s efforts just further underscore that.”
The Dukes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Island Autism Group for consulting with DCSO on the design of the seatbelt covers, for helping to distribute covers to families in need, and for the incredible and important work they do every day in service of the folks in our community with Autism. Thank you also to the All Island Schools Committee for assisting in distributing covers safely to families and individuals in need.
If you or someone you know would like a seatbelt cover, please contact Dukes County Sheriff’s Major Sterling Bishop at sbishop@dcsoma.org for more information. For more information about the Island Autism Group, visit their website at https://islandautism.org/