Our campaign:

AWARE

Created in 2021 by the Avon, Indiana Police Department, AWARE is a campaign to raise awareness of cognitive disabilities and medical-related impairments to first responders when it matters most. The AWARE program is a de-escalation and mental health awareness initiative created by law enforcement for all first responders to proactively identify individuals who may struggle with an ability to comprehend, communicate, or comply with first responders.

AWARE facilitates a quick and readily identifiable 4” emblem/sticker that can be placed on vehicles and residences to serve as an indicator that first responders may likely interact with an individual with a cognitive disorder. Agencies that join the AWARE campaign are required to obtain a medical professional referral from a physician before providing the emblems/stickers to their clients. Caregivers can take comfort is knowing that communities and first responders who support the AWARE program help to foster a more informed and intentional effort when engaging with their loved ones.

Supported by its initial launch and partnership with the Central Indiana Police Foundation, AWARE aims to improve the service provided by first responders to those with cognitive disabilities. Individuals with cognitive disabilities such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Dementia, or a similar cognitive diagnosis can benefit from AWARE being in their community!

Law Enforcement

AWARE was developed as a tool to help educate law enforcement officers that they may be engaging a motorist, passenger, or resident that has a cognitive disability. The AWARE logo facilitates officers a quick and easy way to identify the potential that they may be encountering an individual who is less likely to understand, comprehend, or engage officers in what may be typically received as a normal or expectant fashion.

Officers are dispatched to calls for service on a daily basis, and they regularly encounter an overabundance of unknown factors. AWARE aims to reduce unnecessary use of force by officers who may reasonably misinterpret the actions of a cognitively disabled individual. The AWARE campaign serves as the newest de-escalation and mental health awareness tool available to law enforcement!

Fire & EMS

AWARE was also developed as a simple manner to which fellow first responders could identify that they may be attempting to rescue or provide first aid to individuals with cognitive disabilities. Individuals with cognitive disabilities are more likely to feel and experience fear and anxiety during emergencies. The AWARE campaign serves as an opportunity to educate first responders that too they may be engaging with an individual who lacks the ability to communicate to answer questions amidst such a traumatic encounter.

While many individuals with cognitive disorders have difficulty communicating, it is vital for first responders to have this information while facilitating emergency care. In the event that a caregiver is incapacitated and unable to assist in a medical emergency, fire personnel and EMS staff have little to no historical knowledge of the existence of a cognitive disorder.

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september, 2021

AWARE has given me the confidence to know that first responders will have a better understanding that my daughter is unable to understand and process what is happening during a critical incident or emergency

Arin S., Avon Indiana

Ready to Join?

We are now ready to expand the AWARE program throughout Indiana! You can click here to see which agencies are currently listed as program participants.

Law Enforcement, Fire Service, or Emergency Management agencies wishing to be a participating member of the AWARE program simply sign the agency agreement form by clicking here and submitting the signed and completed form to us at enroll@awareprogram.info. Agencies will then be added to our website as an official supporter of the program. In turn, our agency will provide the AWARE logo in the appropriate file format for your agency to have printed in your area.

Consumers/Residents wishing to enroll in the program can complete the medical professional referral form by clicking here (en espanol aqui) and delivering the signed and complete form to their local participating law enforcement agency. Participating agencies will then provide emblems/stickers for registered vehicles and the primary residence for the consumer.