First Responders Disability Awareness Training

Niagara University

September 1, 2010

In September 2010 Niagara University was awarded a three year $650,000 grant from the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (www.ddpc.ny.gov) to develop curriculum for the training of police officers, fire fighters, emergency medical services, and other first responders in the state of New York. Although some states have some versions of this program, no state has developed a fully comprehensive program. Working with the support of the NYS Office of Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), the end product will include, but not be limited to, class room training, a train the trainer program, on-line training, database of all departments and councils, extensive resources, and regional disability contacts and information. We will also explore podcasts and applications, as suggested by some of our first responder partners.

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