(CENTREVILLE) - A new program has been created to support and bring awareness to a segment of society that is often overlooked.
The St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office is starting an Autism Awareness Program. The fund aims to raise support and awareness for individuals and families affected by autism.
The announcement was made April 2nd on the WBET Morning Show which was Autism Awareness Day. April is also Autism Awareness Month. Tennille Flowers, who is the mother of three sons who are autistic. She says Autism Awareness Day and Month is a chance for the community at large who is not directly affected by autism to learn a little more about it. Tennille says it's also a way for parents of autistic children and the autism community to come together and feel a little more supported.
Sheriff Chad Spence says the idea for the program came up while he was campaigning for office. He said he met Tennille who asked if the Sheriff's Office did any training for their deputies in case they encountered any autistic individuals. Spence says he never had that kind of training but if elected he would be back and they would do something. (LISTEN ABOVE)
The training would show Sheriff's Deputies how to interact with autistic individuals in the event of an emergency or any other situation. Spence says once the training is completed for the Sheriff's Office, they would offer it to other police and fire agencies.
If you would like to make a donation to the program, you can go to the WBET or St. Joseph County United Way Facebook Page, and either scan the QR code on the flyer, or following the address to the Pay Pal link.