Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania TWP. (WPVI) — A Delaware County teenager wants to change the way first responders interact with people with disabilities by providing new tools.
Jessica Smith, 19, has spent the last few years designing paper-laminated police communication boards to help cops and ignorant people get on the same page.
“They aren’t trained enough to deal with people with disabilities, so I wanted to create these boards to make a difference,” Jessica said. It’s based on a board building program that young people have used all their lives.
“I personally have autism and have consulted the police several times and none of them were that bad,” Jessia said.
Still, she thought the interaction could have been better.
“Then there are things that are ‘too big’ and ‘too bright’ for people who may have sensory issues,” she explained of some of the photos.
“She saw a need. .
She has worked with the Delaware County Police Department to tailor the bulletin boards to their needs. Now the idea is really gaining momentum.
“We sent a board to Richland County, South Carolina, and we also sent a board to Nye County, Nevada,” Jessica said.
She teaches message boards to anyone who will listen, while building a community where we can all understand a little more.
“Since I started doing this, I’ve been able to practice my social skills better,” she said.
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