Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) received 445 Autism Sensory Aid Bags from the Collaborative Autism Movement (CAM), which partnered with Amazon to equip all PSP stations with at least five sensory aid bags. The bags were created to better support individuals with autism and other sensory sensitivities.
For families of children with autism, an emergency can be one of the most overwhelming experiences they face. Knowing that first responders across Pennsylvania will have access to sensory tools and communication resources brings a sense of comfort and reassurance to families,” said Krista DeAngelo, President and CEO of the Collaborative Autism Movement. “We're incredibly grateful to partner with Amazon and the Pennsylvania State Police to help create safer, more positive interactions for families statewide."
The bags contain items designed to help reduce anxiety, encourage self-regulation, and provide comfort during emergency, as well as non-emergency, interactions with law enforcement. Having these resources readily available helps emergency responders better serve individuals with autism and other sensory processing differences while fostering safer, more positive interactions.
Each sensory aid bag includes:
- Headphones
- Weighted Blanket
- Sunglasses
- Non-Verbal Communication Board
- Timer
- Fidget items
- Quick Reference Guide to using the items
We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of CAM and Amazon, which has enabled us to provide sensory aid bags at our stations across the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “These bags offer our members practical tools to better assist individuals with autism or sensory needs. They are valuable resources that can make a meaningful difference during times of stress, helping us respond with greater understanding and care for every member of our community.”
Amazon is proud to support the Collaborative Autism Movement (CAM) as its Sensory Aid Bag program expands across the Commonwealth," said Lisa Schooley, Community Engagement Manager at Amazon. "The initiative's growth is a testament to the great work CAM is doing to equip first responders with tools to better serve their communities during critical moments."
This procurement follows a viral social media post that showcased several CAM bags at Troop N, Hazleton. As a result of the overwhelming inquiries generated by the post, CAM quickly ran out of supplies. This prompted Troop N Community Service Officer Trooper First Class Anthony Petroski to lead a statewide initiative aimed at providing sensory aid bags to all PSP stations throughout the Commonwealth.
PSP also offers free information cards that can be carried by people with autism and presented during any encounter with law enforcement to ensure the interaction is as safe and productive as possible. The informational cards — developed after Governor Shapiro and PSP leadership met with advocates — alert law enforcement officers that the individual has autism and therefore may be nonverbal, bothered by loud noises, hyper-sensitive to touch, and unresponsive to commands or questions. The officers are directed to be patient, use a calm and direct voice, and keep their questions and commands simple.
PSP’s Office of Community Engagement developed the informational card, which is available on the Safety Resources page of PSP’s website. Individuals may print the card from the website and carry it in a wallet, or they can choose to save it on their phone.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit the PSP website.