Staff from Wayne-Westland Community Schools presented "Core in the Community: First Responders" at the Wayne City Council meeting.

Core in the Community: First Responders is an idea that came from a conference two WWCS staff members attended. Heather Martinez, director of special education services and Rachael Hendzell, speech language pathologist saw the need for our local first responders to be able to communicate with non verbal individuals during an emergency.

The kits contain items that were put together for first responders in Wayne, Westland, Canton and Inkster. Each department (fire, police) will get 3 bags (24 bags total) with supplies they can use to communicate with individuals who are nonverbal. The bags also contain items such as weighted lap pads, noise canceling headphones and sensory fidgets, which First Responder can use when working with individuals with sensory needs.

Family and Community Engagement Supervisor Amanda Dybus presented the idea to The Wayne Rotary Club which chose to fund this project.

Because of the joint commitment from Wayne-Westland Community Schools and The Wayne Rotary Club, all individuals in our community will now have a voice, and the ability to express their needs and wants when communicating with first responders.