AUTISM FYI
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Mission Statement
AFYI is dedicated to the safety, employment and independent living of those on the Autism Spectrum.
About This Cause
We accomplish this mission through a free safety program IRIS (Immediate Recognition Increases Safety) AFYI created IRIS (Immediate Recognition Increases Safety) utilizing a puzzle piece in a yield sign to indicate Autism Spectrum Disorder. It started out narrowly focused on Autism but soon recognized the overlapping needs among those with other neurological and brain disorders. A new symbol was created, and a larger focus of need resulted. A brain floating in hands in a yield sign to indicate Intellectual and Developmental Disorder, Down’s Syndrome or Alzheimer’s, Stroke, ALS, Huntington’s Disease or other neurologic disorder was added. By placing these signs on decals, USB bracelets, patches, backpacks, wristbands, seat belt covers and hats, First Responders can get immediate information that special considerations are in order. AFYI created a free app for the mobile phone, so First Responders can have these tips and reminders at their fingertips. A 24 hour hotline for quick access to members information in case of an emergency is available. The need for employment of those with Autism and other special needs is becoming larger as the incidence of Autism among adults increases. Their need is higher because their attention span and patience can be shorter; their physical challenges can make it more difficult to do the same work others can do; behavioral challenges make it hard to integrate with others; and, their language barriers can make it difficult to understand them or train them adequately. AFYI decided to employ those with these challenges to help fulfill the orders, make the products being sold, and help train First Responders and businesses to recognize Autism. IRIS was created to help first responders react more appropriately to the Autism Spectrum population. To help them make that determination rapidly, the use of easily recognizable logos worn by someone with ASD would help the first responder identify that special considerations may be in order. Through a free enrollment program and member ID numbers, member’s demographic, behavioral, medical and emergency contact information can be accessed through the 24-hour hotline. All the First responder needs to have is the member’s ID number, which is heat pressed, engraved or labeled on each item and provide that to the hotline operator. The operator will also try to reach the emergency contacts to assist first responders. The tracking aspect of the safety program, to help keep wanderers safe, is fulfilled by our partnership with Project Lifesaver. Through their RF (radio frequency) locators, wristbands and partnership with local rescue/ law enforcement, they help locate lost individuals with Autism, Alzheimer’s or IDD within an average of 30 minutes. This saves time, money and lives. Free training is available online or in person for First Responders with AFYI. Training for businesses is available with the ability to earn a decal of Certified Autism Friendly. AFYI wants to make it easy to learn about autism and to share that those with autism are important and understood by the business community. A resource of Autism Friendly Businesses is being created by AFYI to help those that are vulnerable find services they can trust. Allowing these businesses to promote that skill helps the autism community at large to frequent that establishment. Once trained, a decal is given to the business that shows they are certified as an Autism Friendly business. There are training programs for Law Enforcement, Fire/EMS and correctional officers that can be received locally in some jurisdictions, each dependent on available staff and trained resources . There are also privately-owned businesses that sell this training to Law Enforcement. AFYI has partnered with Project Lifesaver (another national non-profit 501c3) and want training to be available for First Responders for free. That is why our training is free online through FirstForward.com, an online continuing education website for all First Responders. AFYI also provides training online for Daycare staff, Educators of all ages and grades, Public transportation providers, and restaurant staff and retail stores. The more the public knows, the less fearful and more relaxed everyone will be. Autism is a condition that creates the need for different learning , communication and understanding modalities. AFYI wants to help provide that knowledge.