Municipal Affairs
May 9, 2016

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services - NL:

Minister Applauds Autism Training for First Responders

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important partnership among the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services, the Lions Clubs and the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. They are providing first responders with the training they need to recognize, and assist, individuals with autism in an emergency situation.

First responders must be ready for any type of emergency at a moment's notice. That is why the Autism Society developed a training session to help first responders better understand the complex needs of people with autism who are involved in an emergency. In such cases, one response may not fit all.

After receiving the training, the Association of Fire Services recognized the need to make it available to its membership province-wide - and to others that might benefit. Since the association has been involved, the demand for the training has doubled and it is growing.

Mr. Speaker, training has already taken place on the Northern Peninsula, and the Autism Society's training team delivered three sessions in the western region last week. There are plans to deliver training elsewhere on the island and in Labrador.

I ask my colleagues in this House to join me in recognizing the leadership of the Association of Fire Services, the Autism Society, and the Lions Club, in providing these important training opportunities. I also encourage others who see value in this training to contact the Autism Society to see what opportunities may be available.

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2016 05 09                              1:50 p.m.