Police Interactions and Disability is an educational package from THINK+change designed to improve communication between people with disabilities and law enforcement and expand the conversation around progress, promoting a safer community for everyone. These resources are intended for self-advocates with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), parents and caregivers, and professionals working in the IDD field.
TALKS – Building Bridges: People with Disabilities and Law Enforcement – 20-Minute Storytelling Series (4 Parts)
Dives into the IDD community’s experience with police. Each story highlights progress and emphasizes the ongoing need for conversation and steps towards solutions. Solutions that prioritize both justice and compassion.
Featuring perspectives from a:
– Parent of children with Autism;
– Law Enforcement Trainer who is a retired officer;
– Direct Support Provider; and
– Conversation between a Police Officer and Self-Advocates
TRAININGS – Police Interaction Readiness – 15-Minute Microlearning Series (3 Parts)
These short training videos aim to help you keep people with IDD safe, help the police do their job safely, and de-escalate stressful crises. Featuring Aurora Police officers and actors from the IDD community, these videos include:
– Emergency Response Options for caregivers when crisis assistance is needed;
– Knowing your Rights, a plain-language guide to help people with IDD understand their rights and how to use them when talking to the police; and
– Police Interaction Safety, a plain-language guide to help people with IDD know how to keep themselves and police safe during an interaction, including Dos and Don’ts, an arrest demonstration, and other helpful tips.
TOOLS – Police Readiness – Downloadable PDFs (2)
Preparation is key in being able to navigate safely through an emergency or crisis response. To aid people with IDD and their circle of supports to be able to have a successful interaction with police and first responders, these TOOLs include:
– Community Quick Card, a printable card to help people with communication barriers explain their needs, emergency information, and more to police and community members.
– Inclusive 911 Dispatch Checklist, to learn how to provide notes to 911 dispatch in advance as well as what information to provide in order to prepare police and first responders for responding to the home of a person with IDD.
Available in Spanish and English – All TOOLS are available in both English and Spanish! All videos are in English and offer English Closed Captioning and Spanish subtitles.
Download the social media kit to help us spread the word!
This package was made possible through support from Autism Society of CO, Colorado District Attorney’s Council, Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, Developmental Pathways, and The Arc of Aurora