First-responders who answer calls involving people with autism or other neurodivergent conditions will now have a way to comfort and provide aid thanks to the Better Day Bag program from Good Life Taylor. The non-profit organization is providing free kits filled with sensoryresponse items to area law enforcement, fire department and school safety officers.
“I don’t have a lot of experience with this subject matter so I’m excited that the county is able to partner with Good Life Taylor and be shown something new and have a tool we have not had access to in previous years. It’s something that affects everyone differently so being prepared is paramount when seconds count,” said Brian Olson, Chief Deputy of Williamson County Constable Office Precinct 4.
On Thursday, Taylor City Council honored the program by proclaiming April 2 as Better Day Bag Day in Taylor. April 2 is also recognized as World Autism Awareness Day, part of National Autism Awareness Month.
According to the World Health Organization, Autism Spectrum Disorder affects about one in 270 people worldwide. The disorder can present a range of symptoms, often affecting a person’s ability to communicate and interact.
“When there is an emergency, firstresponders don’t know who all will be there, whether there’s a child, or maybe a person with a disability that isn’t visible. They could have a sensory issue and the sirens and bright lights can really upset people. So, these bags are intended to help de-escalate issues, and help calm people down,” said Julie Rydell of Good Life Taylor.
The Better Day Bags are intended to improve communication and soothe overstimulated individuals in emergencies. They include earmuffs, sunglasses, fidget toys, a marker board, a plush duck and English and Spanish communication picture cards.
The communication cards allow nonverbal people to point at pictures to tell officers or firefighters what they need.
The project was funded by RCR Rail Co., St. Paul Lutheran Church and Rotary Club of Taylor.
The bag also contains a QR code linking an officer or fire fighter to a Department of Health and Human Services autism training course that helps them to identify situations and incorporate the items in the bag.
“A common theme among departments that have less funding is getting access to quality training. So being provided equipment at no cost to the department gives another skill that we can build upon,” Olson said. “It gives more options when you’re by yourself. The county can’t always be there with these tools so getting them out to smaller departments will increase efficiency for them.”
Rydell said the organization is hoping to eventually supply bags throughout the county, but they are starting the program close to home.
“We wanted to definitely take care of Taylor and start on this side of the county and help our neighbors,” Rydell said. “People don’t stay in Taylor, so we want our neighboring agencies to be prepared as well.”
Precinct 4 Constable Paul Leal shares the contents of a Better Day Bag with Zoe Graves. Photo courtesy of Good Day Taylor
Malcolm Graves, a child with autism, helps mom Felicia Graves (center) and Julie Rydell (left) of Good Life Taylor accept a proclamation from Council Member Shelli Cobb (at right). Photo by Edie Zuvanich
