LINKED-Autism-Safety-ProjectThe East Lyme Police Department has joined in a partnership with the LINKED – Autism Safety Project, a national initiative designed to strengthen relationships between emergency responders and individuals within the Autism and special needs community.

Founded by Autism advocate and mother Ashley McClain, the LINKED program supports first responders through training, tools, and resources that ensure safer and more effective interactions with individuals with disabilities during emergencies.

As part of this partnership, the East Lyme Police Department is introducing a voluntary registration system for the town’s official Safety Alert System. Caregivers and families of individuals with any disability can now register their loved ones through:

  • Online. See How to Register below
  • Or in person by visiting the police department to complete a paper registration form.

This secure and confidential system will provide East Lyme’s first responders with individualized information that enables them to create pre-arrival response plans tailored to the specific needs of registered individuals. The goal is to ensure safe, informed, and compassionate responses during times of crisis.

Registered Families Will Receive:

  • An Emergency Planning Packet with personalized instructions and tools to navigate both the program and emergency situations.
  • A professionally developed Emergency Preparedness Social Story, a visual and written guide to help individuals with Autism and disabilities better understand emergency interactions.
  •  Access to resources designed to improve communication, comfort, and safety.

Equipping First Responders:

  • Every police vehicle in East Lyme will be outfitted with a Sensory Pack containing calming and therapeutic sensory tools recommended by professionals.
  • LINKED will also provide the Emergency Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) – a visual communication tool for non-verbal individuals to support meaningful interaction with emergency personnel.

In addition, East Lyme Police Department officers have completed specialized Autism & disability training through the LINKED – Autism Safety Program. This training equips officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to better understand and support members of the Autism and disability community.

This program is completely free and open to all East Lyme residents. The East Lyme Police Department encourages the community to share this initiative with friends, neighbors, and loved ones who may benefit.

To register, please see the How To Register section below. To obtain more information about LINKED- Autism Safety Project and events, please visit: linkedasp.com

How it works

The voluntary registration can be completed by following the steps below, which includes filling out a form and including a current photograph of the person and submitting the requested documents. Once received, a member of East Lyme Police Department will contact either the applicant or the first emergency contact to verify receipt of the registration. If we are unable to confirm with either the applicant or the first emergency contact, the information will not be entered. Upon verification, the information will be kept on file with East Lyme Police Department. The information will then be provided to police personnel as needed in the performance of their duties. We encourage those registered to update us periodically as important information changes such as an address change, or a change in emergency contact information. We also ask if you can submit a new photo as the person registered ages.

How to Register

Complete the AUTISM/VULNERABLE PERSONS FORM

Fill out the electronic form with all the requested information.

Please be sure to:

  • Upload a recent photo of the person you are registering
  • Enter the email address for the person responsible for updating this information on an annual basis.

When your form is complete, click “Submit” at the bottom of the form.

Questions? Email: LINKEDSAFETY@EastLymePolice.org

If you need to speak to someone regarding this form, please contact the East Lyme Police Department Autism/Vulnerable Persons Registry by phone at 860-739-5900.