Bella VistaThursday, November 5
Bella Vista police now have 50 autism response kits for officers to carry
The Daily Bentonville team
If you're in Bella Vista, your police department just got a new tool. Autism Involves Me, or AIM, donated 50 autism response kits to the Bella Vista Police Department. The AIM2Respond initiative also includes training for officers.
50autism response kits donated to Bella Vista police
AIM, a Northwest Arkansas nonprofit, donated them to the department.
Sources: KATV, arkansasonline.com
The kits came out of a call from Bella Vista police. Officers had seen an online interaction involving law enforcement and an autistic person that appeared to be “taking a wrong turn,” AIM Executive Director Paula George said, but the person was “just extremely overstimulated.” A responding officer with a sensory kit was able to “really turn that situation around.”
Each kit packs tools for sensory overload and communication
| In the kit | What it does |
|---|---|
| Noise-canceling headphones | Reduce sensory overload |
| Sunglasses | Help if lights are too bright |
| Communication cards | “I hurt” and “I feel” with pictures |
| Sensory and fidget tools | Help ease overstimulation |
Sources: KATV, arkansasonline.com
“This response kit in an officer's vehicle could give that individual a little voice.”
- Funding: stays in Northwest Arkansas, including Benton and Washington counties
- Next goal: kits for other Northwest Arkansas police and fire agencies
- Want to help: use the “contact us” tab online
Sources: KATV, arkansasonline.com