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Date: 3/11/2020
SOUTHWICK – One local EMT is working to equip local first responders with the tools to help and comfort those on the autism spectrum and is now in need of the public’s help to keep up with demand.
As a registered Massachusetts nonprofit awaiting its federal 501(c)3 designation, one of the Start Em Early Foundation’s major projects is the creation of “Sensory Sacks” – kits supplied with a range of items through which police, fire and EMS personnel can help soothe and best serve children on the spectrum in the event of an emergency.
When the foundation’sfounder Erik Davidson read in a magazine about a firefighter and EMT with an autistic sister who had created similar sensory kits, Davidson said he saw an opportunity to take his own experiences as the father of an autistic daughter and husband of a special education teacher and put them into action.
The sensory bags include noise-canceling headphones, stress-relieving tools like squishy stress balls and playdough, weighted stuffed animals for comfort and communication tools such as a whiteboard and marker and a “feeling wheel” with which those who are nonverbal can indicate how they are feeling to first responders. Activities such as coloring books are also part of the package.
“Everything in the Sensory Sacks was strategically picked out and when we get the bags out, it includes instructions on how to use it,” Davidson said.
Easthampton Fire Chief David Motter was the first to take notice and incorporate Sensory Sacks into his department’s arsenal. Since then, first responders in Southwick, Beckett, Northfield and Shelburne Falls have received the kits.
The Westfield Fire Department, Sheffield Police Department, Southern Berkshire Ambulance Service in Great Barrington, Turner Falls first responders, Brewster Ambulance Service and Rescue Inc. in Brattleboro, VT, also have standing orders for Sensory Bags.
With the popularity of the kits has come a challenge – finding the resources to assemble more.
“We have a backlog of about 30 right now,” Davidson said. “We can’t make them fast enough.”
With that, Davidson in appealing to the community, seeking monetary and other donations in order to compile and deliver the kits.
A GoFundMe account has been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/f/sensory-sacks-start-em-early-foundation with a goal of raising $1,000. In addition, the foundation has a wish list on Amazon at amzn.to/2SZxtxm.
“We need supplies as much as we need monetary donations. We’re not a foundation that is going to be out there with a cup in our hand,” he said.
The Start Em Early Foundation is working in collaboration with Lori Vaughn, chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Springfield College, and plans to begin an education component in April through which first responders would be trained in how to properly assess and treat those on the spectrum.
“EMS and other first responders are taught how to do an assessment on people’s physical wellbeing but are not really taught how to deal with sensory issues,” Davidson explained. “It can be hard to communicate unless you know how to do it. As a father, I have the luxury of experience that most do not.”
The Start Em Early Foundation also educates youth on lifesaving first aid and CPR techniques and has programming focused on social awareness of childhood diabetes. For more information on the Start Em Early Foundation, visit its Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/815320548986447.