04/21/2026
Acadian Ambulance held a ribbon-cutting led by One Acadiana for a major community initiative: the First Responder Autism Resource Kit, a collection of tools designed to transform how first responders support individuals with autism during emergencies. The launch and ribbon-cutting ceremony were held at the National EMS Academy on April 17, 2026.
The project is the result of a growing collaboration between Acadian Ambulance, Dr. McCoy and her team at Aspire Behavioral Health Center, Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office, Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Office, Broussard Police Department, Carencro Police Department, Lafayette Police Department, State Representative Annie Spell, Bambi and Nicole with Disability Access Solutions, and Autism Society of Acadiana. Together, these partners have spent months building a system that strengthens preparedness, compassion, and accessibility for families across the region.
After Acadian Ambulance provided ambulance demonstrations at Aspire Behavioral Health locations last fall, a student was involved in a car accident just one week later. First responders encountered a major challenge: communicating with a nonverbal individual during a high-stress emergency. In response, Acadian Ambulance developed the First Responder Communication Board, a PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) board commonly used by nonverbal individuals with autism. Within 15 days, the board was loaded onto every medic’s tablet. It was formally unveiled at the launch event and is now available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
The First Responder Autism Resource Kit includes:
• Educational videos created in collaboration with Dr. Joslyn McCoy and Aspire Behavioral Health
• A free downloadable communication board for families, schools, and caregivers (in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese)
• Seatbelt pads identifying individuals with autism, which will be distributed by local sheriff’s offices
• Local and state resources for caregivers and emergency personnel
• Acadian Total Security offers a promo code for caregivers of individuals with autism to receive free security system activation and the first month of 24/7 monitoring at no cost.
Resource page here: https://acadianambulance.com/autismresourcekit/
We’re grateful for the community’s support and patience as we continue to grow and build this initiative together. This initiative is only the beginning. Ongoing education, community follow-ups, and continued collaboration will ensure the Resource Kit remains a living, evolving support system for families and first responders alike.
THANK YOU! 🫶🏼
(reposted with permission from author)
