| Hosted by | Center of Excellence on Autism Spectrum Disorders at Southern Connecticut State University |
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| Details | When: April 6, 2024 Time: 9:00 am ‑1:00 pm & 1 pm ‑2 pm Where: Watertown High School, 324 French St, Watertown, CT 06795 What: Officers from the Watertown, Waterbury, Naugatuck, and Southern Connecticut State University Police Department will perform practice routine traffic stops with drivers and passengers with autism so all participants will learn how to effectively utilize the Blue Envelope while stopped by a police officer. The Blue Envelope is a Connecticut DMV program that provides a blue colored envelope with written instructions to assist motorists with autism spectrum disorder navigate a traffic stop. The envelop also alerts police officers that the individual has autism so that enhanced communication can be reached between the two. https://portal.ct.gov/DMV/Licenses/Licenses/Autism-awareness As with all individuals, a traffic stop can be upsetting but for an individual with autism it can have an even greater impact. This program is designed to alleviate some of the stress this situation may lead to by giving individuals an opportunity to interact with an officer in a much less traumatic way. Participants will utilize their own vehicle for the practice sessions. Before practice stops, participants will review the process of using the blue envelope and what to expect at a traffic stop. They will also get to meet and interact with some of the officers from the Police Departments. Directly following the traffic stop practice the Watertown Police and Sun, Moon, & Stars, Inc. will host a meet-and-greet at the Watertown Police Station. This is an opportunity for families with children on the autism spectrum to meet Watertown Police Officers as well as our Officers to meet our families. This Meet & Greet will include a short presentation, meeting officers and a tour of the Watertown Police Station. Families will also be able to meet our Watertown Public Schools Resource Officers along with our Canine officer. Lite refreshments will be made available. |
| Admission | FREE |
| Location | Watertown High School |
| Where |
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| More Info | info link |
| When | Daily, starting from Apr 6, 2024, until Apr 6, 2024 |