The Washington Police Department has announced they have issued emergency communication boards to all officers.
The effort is in partnership with the Autism Society of Indiana.
The department says the boards will be a valuable tool for officers when communication barriers arise.
Through a grant provided by the Autism Society of America and private donations, the Autism Society of Indiana purchased picture communication boards to be placed in the vehicles of all the officers of the Washington Police Department.
The communication boards will give officers a way to communicate with a person who may be nonverbal, have limited English skills, have autism, other disabilities, or mental health issues.
All officers also received a link to a training video on how to implement the communication board.
The Autism Society of Indiana says they recognize the need for this type of assistance to first responders and the citizens of Indiana who struggle with communication.
For more information, or to inquire about communication boards, contact the Autism Society of Indiana at www.autismsocietyofindiana.org.