A new Oneida County program will better prepare first responders for emergency situations involving people with special needs.
The Assistance for Special, Cognitive, Emotional Needs and Disabilities (ASCEND) program will allow people to voluntarily register their disability or condition with the county so emergency workers will be notified of the circumstances during an emergency call.
“Times of crisis can be stressful for all parties involved, and this type of situation can be unnecessarily elevated when first responders are unaware of special needs and conditions,” Picente said. “The ASCEND program will help to ensure that our residents who have such needs are identified immediately and provided the additional support and resources they require. Awareness and understanding are the keys to remedying these issues in the safest manner possible.”