Across the country, first responders are receiving training to improve communication with people who have disabilities. In northeast Indiana, The League is leading efforts to ensure emergency personnel are better equipped for these interactions.
Bridging the Communication Gap
The League, an advocacy organization for people with disabilities, has been working with first responders for over a decade. Their goal is to prevent miscommunications that could lead to unnecessary fear or harmful outcomes during emergency situations.
“For people with disabilities, they’re often afraid of what’s going to happen if they call the police, or what’s going to happen if they have to call the fire department or EMS,” said John Guingrich, CEO of The League. “An EMS visit could result in a hospital stay, and that might lead to a nursing home—places that many individuals with disabilities want to avoid.”
Educating Both First Responders and the Community
To ease these concerns, The League not only educates first responders but also works directly with people with disabilities to help them feel more comfortable calling for help when needed.
“We have a great relationship with our first responders, and we know they’re always trying to do the best they can,” Guingrich said. “It’s up to us to equip them, as well as help teach people with disabilities some of those effective ways to communicate.”
Tools for Better Communication
As part of their initiative, The League visits the Fort Wayne Police Department Academy to train new recruits on best practices for communicating with individuals who have disabilities.
Additionally, they have provided FWPD with over 500 communication signs for their department vehicles. These signs display symbols for essential services, including:
- An interpreter
- An assistive listening device
- An insurance card
This allows individuals to point to what they need, making interactions smoother and reducing potential confusion.
The Importance of Patience and Awareness
Guingrich emphasized that patience is key when interacting with someone who may have a communication barrier.
“It’s about taking a pause,” he said. “As long as you’re safe, take a moment and make sure you try to communicate. If you keep saying something and someone’s not responding, it might be because they’re deaf.”
For more information about The League and their work, visit their website
