Healthy Living
Blue envelope autism

For Drivers with Autism and Police, a Useful, Simple Way to Make Traffic Stops Easier

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Darien Police Department is now participating in the “Blue Envelope” program that’s meant to make traffic stops less tense for both police officers and drivers on the autism spectrum. — an announcement from Darien Police Department

The program, supported by the Connecticut Police Chief’s Association, Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, and autism advocacy groups, seeks to improve interactions between police officers and people on the autism spectrum. Traffic stops can be stressful for anyone, especially for drivers with autism. To help improve the encounter, participants will keep their vehicle information in the new blue-colored envelope. When the driver is pulled over and retrieves his or her registration at an officer’s request, it will be immediately apparent to the officer that the individual is on the autism spectrum.

Around Town
Darien Police Autism Awareness magnet

Darien Police to Observe Autism Awareness Month with Vehicle Magnet, Training Seminar, Even Goodie Bags

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The Darien Police Department is a proud supporter of Autism Awareness Month.  Throughout the month of April, we will be joining hundreds of other agencies across the country in displaying a special Autism Awareness magnet on our police vehicles as part of the “Autism Patch Challenge.”

— an announcement from Darien Police Department
The Autism Patch Challenge began in 2017, and originated in New Rochelle, New York by New Rochelle Police Detective Chris Greco in honor of his son, Christopher, who is non-verbal. Greco has created a charitable foundation, “Christopher’s Voice,” which provides various support options for families with autism, and focuses on emergency responders. Spearheaded by Officer Rich Flood, the Darien Police Department will now be participating in the Autism Patch Challenge as well.  Officer Flood has coordinated this effort and saw to it that the police car magnets and uniform shoulder patches were designed and created. With the financial assistance of the Darien Police Association, the magnets and patches have been manufactured and will be soon seen prominently displayed on our vehicles. Research shows that persons with autism and other developmental disabilities are approximately seven times more likely to come in contact with law enforcement than the general population.

Autism
Turtle Dance Music Darien Library event 01-08-17

Turtle Dance Music’s Sensory-Friendly Show for Kids at Darien Library

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Turtle Dance Music visits Darien Library with a musical experience designed to be inclusive for all children, including those on the Autism Spectrum. Kids will learn through hands-on, visual, and sensory experiences all while dancing and playing music! All ages welcome. ____________

— an announcement from Darien Library

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Join us in the Community Room from 10 to 10:45 a.m., Monday, Jan. 16.