The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that all people are entitled to the same treatment by law enforcement and first responder services. But to families and individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), there is a fear that typical I/DD behaviors will be misinterpreted by first responders and lead to involvement in the criminal justice system. When an accident or injury occurs, reaching out to first responders can feel scary and confusing and might lead to a delay in asking for help. In order to bring light to those fears, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (TCPHSS) implemented Project SAFER. This program strives to bridge the gap between the I/DD community and first responders to build understanding and strong relationships.
Special Assistance for Emergency Response Helps I/DD Families Feel SAFER
Project SAFER includes several valuable components. Law enforcement and first responders are taught effective ways to interact and assist Thurston County’s I/DD residents while I/DD individuals and families are educated about how to interact with emergency services.
The program was initially created in Clallam County and then introduced locally in late 2024 by Marsha Longmeier, High School Transition Coordinator for TCPHSS Developmental Disabilities Program. She believes that implementing this project will help create trust between first responders and the I/DD community and ultimately keep I/DD residents unnecessarily out of the legal system.
“Hopefully, if first responders know they will be interacting with a person with I/DD, they might have the information at hand to know their barriers such as being nonverbal, in a wheelchair or their stimming tendencies,” says Longmeier. “If they know what to be on the lookout for, they can potentially know strategies of how to de-escalate that person. It’s all about getting to know each other so it’s not a fearful or unknown interaction on either side.”
Learning More Means Understanding How to Engage in Times of Emergency
“I have heard stories from families within the I/DD community that have genuine fears their loved one might do something mistaken as a danger or threat to a first responder and end up in jail and the legal system,” says Longmeier. “The idea of Project SAFER is to help these communities get to know and understand each other better, thereby reducing fears and ultimately keeping those in the I/DD community out of the legal system.”
She says common fears and stumbling blocks often stem from being misinterpreted. It could be because individuals don’t appear to have a disability, due to a traumatic past experience, not understanding first responders and their requests, or a lack of training to police and fire departments on how to deal with the I/DD community.
The TCPHSS team is also working on activities that bring together first responders and the community in fun, informative ways. This allows families to ask questions, tour emergency vehicles, see different agency uniforms, learn about the roles of various regional agencies and to build lasting, real-world relationships.
I/DD families can sign up for meet-and-greets or other Specialized Recreation opportunities through the Public Health and Social Services website or subscribe to their email newsletter. Longmeier hopes to bring Project SAFER into local schools as well.
Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Advice Before an Emergency Strikes
The team encourages families to use Smart911 through TCOMM 911. Smart911 allows users to provide information about family members, health specifics, address, location landmarks and information about vehicles, pets or service animals.
Once your phone numbers are affiliated with a Smart911 profile, the information can be seen for a limited time by first responders during a crisis. Your account can even include photos, medical insurance preferences and other vital details.
Currently, Project SAFER includes all of Thurston County with plans underway to add Mason County in the near future. A facilitated roundtable discussion about the initiative will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Olympia High School. You must RSVP online by May 16 to attend; everyone is welcome to this free event! There will be first responders as well as those in the I/DD community at each table to participate in the discussions.
To date TCPHSS has spoken or reached out to such groups as the Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater Police Departments; TCOMM 911; the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office; Lacey and Olympia fire departments; attorneys; and judges. They will also be providing a training session for first responders attending the Criminal Justice Training Commission’s required 40-hour training in May.
But this is not a one-and-done type of situation. The TCPHSS Developmental Disabilities team understand that education and community input is crucial to keep the program thriving for years to come.
Have questions? Reach out to hst.coord@co.thurston.wa.us or call 360.867.2539 to learn more.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 911 for emergencies (fire, medical, crime), 988 for the suicide and crisis line and 211 for resource needs like food, housing and other support.
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