Charlottesville Public Safety Forum 

Local first responders, community leaders, and families will unite for a dialogue on public safety for individuals with autism and other disabilities. Working with local first responder agencies, this event will raise awareness and understanding to discuss tools that promote safety within the community.

One in five people in Virginia have a significant disability, including approximately 147,000 diagnosed with autism or another developmental disability. One primary goal of this Public Safety Forum is to make sure everyone understands how those with autism and other disabilities may react in an emergency. Another goal is to make sure first responders know how to minimize fear and anxiety for the individual and family.

Bob Kreps, Chairperson of the Charlottesville Regional Autism Action Group (CRAAG), shares, “Addressing emergences involving this population is particularly challenging. By bringing together first-responders and family members to share experiences and knowledge, we can make our community safer for everyone. CRAAG is thankful for the support of all the co-hosts for the Forum. This is a day when disability advocacy organizations will have a fruitful conversation with first-responders.”

Anyone affected by disabilities is invited, including family members and educators. The Forum also welcomes courts or corrections personnel, community officials, and concerned citizens.

• Live demonstrations from local law enforcement, fire, and rescue personnel.
• Panel Discussion with first-responders, mental health crisis experts, and family/caregivers of individuals with disabilities
• FREE refreshments

If you would like to attend and have a need for any accommodations, please contact Didi Zaryczny at dzaryczny@autismva.org and we will do our best to meet your needs. 

Presenting Partners: