Photo provided Bartholomew County Sheriff deputies and corrections officers in the Bartholomew County Jail now have communication boards to help with communicating with a person who may be nonverbal, have limited English skills, have autism, or have other disabilities or mental health issues.
The Autism Society of Indiana has purchased picture communication boards to be used by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, through a grant provided by the Autism Society of America and Today’s Champions.
The communication boards will provide sheriff deputies and corrections officers in the Bartholomew County Jail with a means to communicate with a person who may be nonverbal, have limited English skills, have autism, or have other disabilities or mental health issues, sheriff deputies said.
Bartholomew County Sheriff deputies and corrections officers have received training on how to implement the communication board and said they appreciate the opportunity to have this resource available when serving the community.
The Autism Society of Indiana and Today’s Champions have recognized the need for this type of assistance for those who struggle with communication, and they are willing to provide communication boards for every law enforcement and first responder agency in the state of Indiana, according to the organizations.
For more information or inquiries about acquiring the communication boards, contact the Autism Society of Indiana at autismsocietyofindiana.org or [email protected]
“Bartholomew County is constantly working towards being more inclusive,” said Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers. “These communication boards are a welcome addition to our agency.”
