FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2024
Elgin, IL — The Autism Hero Project (AHP), in collaboration with the Elgin Police Department (EPD), is honored to invite community members, advocates, and officials to the screening of their transformative documentary, #HeroesUnite – The NEED for First Responder’s Autism Training. This event seeks to address the vital need for autism-focused training among first responders and promote a more inclusive approach to emergency response.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A session featuring representatives from The Autism Hero Project, Chief of Police Ana Lalley, Senator Cristina Castro, State Attorney Jamie Mossier, and other dedicated community partners. Together, they will discuss how first responders can be better equipped to protect and support autistic individuals, ensuring every response is informed, compassionate, and life-saving. “We appreciate our relationship with the Autism Hero Project (AHP) and admire the organization’s vision to ‘prepare kids with autism for the world and prepare the world for them,’” said Chief Ana Lalley. “The event on November 16th is another opportunity for us, alongside our partners like Judson University and AHP, to support advocacy and inclusion through education and collaboration.”
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Location: Judson University, Herrick Chapel – 1151 N. State St. Elgin, IL
Registration: Eventbrite Link
Attendees will also have the chance to watch a series of short videos that showcase AHP’s impact in the community, illustrating the organization’s commitment to raising autism awareness and fostering a culture of inclusivity. The following links provide insight into this ongoing mission:
Quote from The Autism Hero Project
Tamika Lecheé Morales, President of The Autism Hero Project – “Autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and neither should our response be in emergencies. #HeroesUnite is more than just a documentary—it’s a call to action for first responders to be equipped with the tools and understanding needed to protect and support autistic individuals during moments of crisis. By bridging the gap between autism awareness and practical training, we are fostering a world of true inclusion, where every response is informed, compassionate, and life-saving—ensuring the well-being of not just the autistic individual, but everyone involved, including the first responders themselves.”
The event will include refreshments and welcomes community partners, autism advocates, city officials, and legislators. Note that due to the mature content in the documentary, the screening is intended for audiences aged 16 and older. Join us as we work to create a safer, more inclusive community through awareness, understanding, and collaboration.
About The Autism Hero Project
The Autism Hero Project is dedicated to fostering autism awareness, training, and support in communities, focusing on empowering individuals with autism and those who work with them, especially first responders. Their mission is to prepare the world for individuals with autism by bridging gaps in understanding and care.
Click the following link for more information or to register for the event: Event Registration