Thurston County Public Health & Social Services’ Project SAFER (Special Assistance for Emergency Responders) is helping bridge the gap between people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and first responders. The program fosters understanding, improves communication, and helps reduce the potential for misunderstandings during emergency situations.
Building Awareness Across the Community
Project SAFER was originally developed to educate police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency responders about effectively interacting with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) or who are neurodivergent. Due to its success, Thurston County is expanding the program’s education and training to include judges and other members of the legal system, as well as professionals in the medical field.
Communication differences between people with I/DD and emergency personnel can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or unnecessary involvement with the legal system. Project SAFER trainings help increase knowledge, confidence, and comfort for everyone involved.
Training provides first responders with practical strategies for recognizing communication preferences, understanding nonverbal behaviors, and responding appropriately to individuals with a variety of disabilities.
Pathways to Justice
Another training opportunity through Project SAFER that is coming up is Pathways to Justice. This training is hosted by The Arc’s National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability (NCCJD). For this training, a Disability Response Team (DRT) is being created and is comprised of first responders, self-advocates, doctors, attorneys, and victim advocates. The DRT will meet regularly, and then there will be a full-day training offered and geared towards law enforcement, victim advocates, and attorneys.
Community Events
In addition to education and training, Project SAFER hosts community events where families can meet first responders in calm, welcoming environments. These informal interactions help build familiarity and trust before an emergency ever occurs.
Ice Cream Social
Friday, August 21, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Enjoy ice cream while meeting local police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel in a relaxed outdoor setting. Community members, families, and care providers are encouraged to attend, build positive relationships with first responders, explore emergency vehicles, meet responders in a variety of uniforms, and learn more about emergency services.
Location:
Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
412 Lilly Road NE, Olympia (Parking lot)
Trunk or Treat
Thursday, October 29, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Celebrate Halloween with local police officers, firefighters, medics, and county staff as they decorate their vehicles and hand out holiday treats. Costumes are encouraged.
The event has grown significantly since its first year. It began with 12 to 15 decorated vehicles and approximately 100 attendees. Last year, more than 30 decorated trunks welcomed more than 400 community members.
Location:
Thurston County Public Health & Social Services
412 Lilly Road NE. Olympia (Event hosted in Parking lot)
Parking is not available in the main lot. Attendees can park in the neighboring business parking lots after their business hours or along Ensign Road, where parking is permitted.
Smart911: Be Prepared Before an Emergency
Planning ahead can help first responders provide the best possible assistance during an emergency.
Smart911 is a free service that allows residents to create a secure safety profile that is automatically available to TCOMM 911 dispatchers when a 9-1-1 call is placed from a registered phone number. Individuals can include information such as:
- Home address
- Medical conditions
- Disabilities or communication needs
- Emergency contacts
- The number and type of pets in the home
Profiles can be linked to cell phones, landlines, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone numbers. Providing this information in advance helps first responders communicate more effectively and respond with the appropriate care when every second counts.
National Recognition
Project SAFER’s innovative approach to strengthening community safety has earned national recognition. In 2026, the program received a National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for its commitment to providing effective, community-centered public services.
By promoting understanding, improving communication, and creating opportunities for positive interactions before emergencies occur, Project SAFER is helping ensure that encounters between first responders and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are safer, more respectful, and more successful for everyone involved. To learn more about Project SAFER and upcoming events, visit the Project SAFER website.
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