So often in the Autism community, those who are non verbal or those that can't be understood, find themselves in difficulties that are through doing of their own. That is why I was so happy to see that a local suburban police department in the North Hills of Pittsburgh is leading the way to create a database for those folks they might encounter who need help. The Ross Township Police Department has announced a new initiative to help officers to aid citizens with autism or other special needs. The department is launching a database in which a person may be registered by a family member or caregiver. They can include a phone number, address, picture, and more information that would help the police to identify and help the registered person. The police will have immediate access to this database from their cars, so dealing with the person and helping them could be expedited much more quickly than if the police were trying to figure out who the person is. This database could even help to identify someone with Alzheimer's or dementia who has walked away from their home.
I think this idea is one that is long overdue. I had the sad experience of taking my late mother-in-law, who was non verbal because of Alzheimer's, to the emergency room of a local hospital. The personnel there are just not trained to help someone who is nonverbal. I was so glad that I was with her, and that she did not arrive by ambulance with no one who knew her or what might be wrong with her. When I was teaching for 37 years, I interceded on behalf of several students who were on the spectrum and non verbal. Adults in the school who did not know their proclivities were not able to help them when they needed an advocate the most. I applaud the Ross Township Police Department for stepping up to help protect our vulnerable citizens, and I hope the idea of a local database for those with special needs will catch on in other police departments across the United States. This idea could help thousands of people.
To see the television story about this topic, please click on this link.
https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2022/01/13/ross-township-database-autism-special-needs/
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
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