Wilmington, IL – Wilmington police have announced the launch of a new Autism and Special Needs Awareness Program designed to help emergency responders better serve residents during calls for service.
According to the Wilmington Police Department, the program allows families and individuals to voluntarily share information indicating that a person with autism or other special needs may be present in a home or vehicle. That information can then be accessed by responding officers, helping them adjust communication and response strategies during emergencies.
The initiative is modeled after a similar program recently introduced by the Bourbonnais Police Department. Wilmington officials said community feedback played a role in bringing the program to the city.
Police officials say the goal is to improve safety and reduce misunderstandings during high-stress situations, particularly when individuals may have difficulty communicating, responding to commands, or processing sensory stimuli.
Participation in the program is optional. Residents who wish to enroll can complete the required forms through the Wilmington Police Department’s website. Hard copy forms are also available in person at the Wilmington Police Department and Wilmington City Hall.
The department emphasized that providing responders with advance awareness allows officers to draw on specialized training and experience to better meet residents’ needs during police, fire, or medical responses.
Residents with questions about the Autism and Special Needs Awareness Program are encouraged to contact Deputy Chief Justin Dole via email at jdole@wilmington-il.gov.
More information and enrollment forms can be found at:
https://police.wilmington-il.gov/autism-awareness/
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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