07-12-2006, 10:23 AM
POLICE have praised the success of scheme pioneered in Flintshire to help people with autism communicate with the emergency services.
Those in the county with autism were given “Attention Cards” by police so they could highlight their condition and gain the right help if they have a problem.
And thanks to the success of the Flintshire scheme, the cards will now be issued across North Wales.
Ian Shannon, Assistant Chief Constable of North Wales Police, said: “It is imperative that we are responsive to the needs of all members of the community.
“We want to create a culture of inclusion.
“The card is easy to recognise and should be instantly recongisable to police officers so they will be able to help that particular person immediately.”
It is estimated that autism is likely to affect one in 330 people in the UK.
The “Attention Card” lists a number of ways the individual may be helped to communicate more effectively in what can often be tense and difficult situations.
A special telephone number is also displayed on the card. On dialling, the caller will be able to speak to an individual who has good knowledge of autism and can provide appropriate information.
Maggie Bowen, of Autism Cymru, added: “We are delighted with the positive feedback we have received from individuals with autism and their parents in Flintshire.
“Our partnership with the police in relation to these cards has certainly been effective.
“We are pleased to see the scheme now operating across the whole of North Wales.”
From eveningleader.co.uk
Those in the county with autism were given “Attention Cards” by police so they could highlight their condition and gain the right help if they have a problem.
And thanks to the success of the Flintshire scheme, the cards will now be issued across North Wales.
Ian Shannon, Assistant Chief Constable of North Wales Police, said: “It is imperative that we are responsive to the needs of all members of the community.
“We want to create a culture of inclusion.
“The card is easy to recognise and should be instantly recongisable to police officers so they will be able to help that particular person immediately.”
It is estimated that autism is likely to affect one in 330 people in the UK.
The “Attention Card” lists a number of ways the individual may be helped to communicate more effectively in what can often be tense and difficult situations.
A special telephone number is also displayed on the card. On dialling, the caller will be able to speak to an individual who has good knowledge of autism and can provide appropriate information.
Maggie Bowen, of Autism Cymru, added: “We are delighted with the positive feedback we have received from individuals with autism and their parents in Flintshire.
“Our partnership with the police in relation to these cards has certainly been effective.
“We are pleased to see the scheme now operating across the whole of North Wales.”
From eveningleader.co.uk