Paoli Fire Company renews autism center designation

Paoli Fire Company has renewed its Certified Autism Center designation from IBCCES, extending a program first earned in 2021. The renewal underscores how the Paoli, Pennsylvania fire and EMS team is adapting emergency response and community outreach for autistic and sensory-sensitive residents.

Why it matters: - Emergency response can be more stressful for autistic and sensory-sensitive people, especially during urgent medical calls. - Paoli Fire Company’s renewed certification signals that local fire and EMS crews have continued autism and sensory training in place. - The designation is meant to improve interactions during emergencies and community events.

What happened: - Paoli Fire Company renewed its Certified Autism Center™ designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards, or IBCCES. - The company first earned the certification in 2021. - The renewal keeps Paoli Fire Company among public-safety teams formally trained to support autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.

The details: - At least 80% of first responders and front-facing staff complete autism and sensory training and certification under the program. - Ashley Neubauer, a firefighter/paramedic, said the designation helps reassure residents and visitors that Paoli Fire Company and EMS will provide care with professionalism and empathy. - Since becoming certified, Paoli Fire Company has kept sensory kits on its ambulances. - The kits include fidget toys, ear coverings, sunglasses and weighted blankets. - Firefighters and EMS providers are encouraged to continue autism spectrum disorder education, with emphasis on pediatric care. - Paoli Fire Company also hosts community events throughout the year that let children tour fire trucks and the fire station. - Those events are designed to create opportunities to engage with autistic individuals and their families. - The company also participates in community work that includes CPR training, car seat checks and fire prevention presentations. - Paoli Fire Company says it often interacts with youth who have special needs and tailors presentations for effective communication. - The company also supports a school in its district that enrolls only special needs students.

Between the lines: - IBCCES has spent 25 years building autism, sensory and neurodiversity training and certification programs. - The organization positions the first-responder training as a way to raise staff confidence and set a standard for community service. - Myron Pincomb, CEO and board chairman of IBCCES, said the renewal shows a long-standing commitment to helping community members of all abilities feel supported and understood. - The certification also connects Paoli Fire Company to IBCCES tools meant to make accessible places easier to find. - Paoli Fire Company is listed on the free IBCCES Accessibility App. - The app offers real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces and tailored recommendations. - IBCCES also runs AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com, which list certified locations and professionals. - The sites include organizations that have met IBCCES certification requirements.

What's next: - Paoli Fire Company is expected to continue autism-specific training and related continuing education for staff. - The company is also likely to keep using sensory kits and community engagement events as part of its accessibility efforts. - IBCCES will continue supporting certification renewal, training and resource tools for families and organizations.

The bottom line: - Paoli Fire Company is trying to make emergency and community services more accessible for autistic and sensory-sensitive people, not just during crisis calls but throughout everyday public interaction.