In Freeport, first responders and city officials receive a grant of almost $5,000 to provide training on ableism and disability awareness.
The training is through RAMP, a disability living program. RAMP’s mission is to help people with disabilities reach their full potential. RAMP received a grant through The Foundation for Northwest Illinois.
Alice Nichols, Curriculum and Training Developer for RAMP, says the training is beneficial. “How to respond in crisis and emergency situations to people with a wide variety of disabilities.”
The training is a live ninety-minute to two-hour program. It is interactive and taught by people with disabilities. It’s intended for all first responders and city officials within Freeport. It can be used outside the workplace and in everyday life.
The training aims to close the gap in awareness and responsiveness in the first response systems. By teaching the Freeport Fire and Police Departments and city officials a deeper understanding of ableism and disabilities, they will have a better ability to interact and respond effectively and inclusively.
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