Following a conversation with a firefighter in 2014, the presenters realized emergency first responders were not being trained for interacting with individuals who have complex communication needs. This professional and parent-friendly session will discuss the creation and implementation of a training program which has been used since 2016 to train first responders in Indiana, Michigan, and Montana. Information will include a “how to” guide for contacting first responder departments and a brief overview of the presenters’ training program. The presenters will also provide resources for participants to begin training first responders in their own communities and will discuss practical tips on how to engage first responders in this critical conversation. Data supporting this important initiative will also be presented briefly.
Dr. Mariesa Rang is a part-time instructor at Purdue University Fort Wayne with a primary focus on AAC. Dr. Rang’s research emphasis is training emergency first responders on how to communicate with people with complex communication needs and is striving to share the training... Read More →
Sharon Mankey is a retired Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Purdue University Fort Wayne Communication Disorders Clinic. Ms. Mankey began training emergency first responders in how to better communicate with individuals with complex communication needs in the State of... Read More →
