Pilot Project
The idea of an “Alert Card” which could be used as a form of identification and method of communication has already been put in place in West Midlands of England and Wales as an initiative of local Autism Societies. Autism NI have produced an alert card, an awareness poster and a factsheet which while targeted initially to the police, can be used by ambulance and fire service too.
The initial pilot was launched in partnership with the emergency services in Foyle. This pilot will be evaluated by the University of Ulster as the basis of securing adequate funding to facilitate a regional role out. Currently access to the alert card is by referral to Autism Initiatives and the Foyle ASD Social Work Service. This project will underpin the initiative currently being developed by Autism NI with the Criminal Justice System Generally.
Autism NI are grateful to Autism Cymru (the National Autism Society of Wales) for generously sharing their expertise and resources to enable this project to get underway in Northern Ireland.
Other useful resources include the PSNI Factsheet.
