A special launch event was held on Tuesday for a new initiative that the OPP are backing that will help kids during stressful emergency situations.
A local Listowel mother, Katie Scott, came up with the idea for a sensory kit for kids that can help them stay calm during what can be a traumatic experience when emergency services are called. Scott, who's son has autism, says the kits feature a number of different items that can help kids, especially those with special needs, to feel a little safer when first responders show up.
"So there's a fidget cube, noise cancelling headphones, and sunglasses, just because with the lights on emergency vehicles, those can sometimes be overwhelming," Scott said.
Scott says when she thought of the idea to put kits together for kids that first responders can give them to help them feel a little less stressed during emergencies, she reached out to another mom who's child has non-verbal autism, to see what could be included in the kits to help kids communicate and feel more safe when first responders arrive.
"What would you want emergency services to kind of ask or know from her son in an emergency situation? That was the thought, so we kind of came up with some communication cards, too," Scott shared.
The OPP Youth Foundation has embraced the kits, as Executive Director Sandy Poredos shared at the event.
"One of these kits has gone to every detachment across the province, so all of our five regions have these now. Some also went to the Highway Safety Division, as well, and we're hoping this really takes off during a pilot period. The OPP Youth Foundation is always looking for things that can help and benefit the youth, and this was right up our alley," Poredos enthused.
The OPP Youth Foundation already had the comfort bears to give to kids from first responders, and they will now pair with the sensory kits during a year-long pilot project to gauge how effective they are.
For more information visit OPPYouthFoundation.ca.
