The Autism Society- Greater Baton Rouge, Inc. is pleased to offer a free parent forum in conjunction with Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition (ALEC) and the Autism Society’s Safe and Sound Campaign. The 2 hour parent forum will focus on issues such as wandering, internet safety, disclosure to local first responder agencies, and tools available to parents to be prepared for emergencies. A discussion of the concerns that parents may have for their children will follow with the presenters.
Throughout our communities, children and adults with autism are living, going to school, working and enjoying recreational activities. Autism Society – Greater Baton Rouge Chapter, Inc. strives to improve the lives touched by autism in every aspect throughout the lifespan and to raise awareness and acceptance by promoting education; advocacy; and equal access to services. Autism is becoming increasingly prevalent; approximately 1 in 68 children has been diagnosed with Autism.
Presenters will be Captain William Cannata, Jr., and Sergeant Jimmy Donohoe. Captain William Cannata Jr. Retired, has been a member of the fire service for more than 30 years, and is the Program Director of “Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition (ALEC)”, formed in 2003. He is also the parent of a child with an autism spectrum disorder. 
Sergeant Jimmy Donohoe is the creator of the “Take Me Home Program”, a database where participants who are unable to speak or properly identify themselves to police officers, register with a photo, physical description and contact information, so first responders can provide special assistance that may be required when contact with a person with autism occurs.
The program will be held Monday, October 23, 2017, from 6:30-8:30 PM, at the Jones Creek Regional Library. Please RSVP to Beryl K. Hebert at autismsocietygbr@gmail.com or 255-907-5292 by Friday, October 20th.