The mission of the Portage Township Autism Action Coalition (PTAAC) is to alleviate potential stress triggers and provide coping mechanisms for children with autism in an emergency situation.
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have special needs. Many are prone to flight or are sensitive to certain factors. They can become over stimulated by light, sound or touch; leading them to becoming overwhelmed, uncooperative or aggresive.
In order to achieve its mission, the PTAAC will:
- urge participation in and distribute program training materials to all community first responders.
- provide sensory kits to all first responders, as well as schools and other organizations.
- implement an emergency identification bracelet program.
- develop corporate partnerships to financially sustain the program.
- serve as a role model for other local county and state agencies.
The Centers for Disease Control reports 1 in 59 children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ASD and in our community we have a proportional number diagnosed. A local coalition, including the Portage Township Trustee, Porter County Sheriff, Portage Police Department, Ogden Dunes Police Department, South Haven Fire Department, Portage Fire Department, Ogden Dunes Fire Department, Portage Township Schools and Porter County Central Communications 911, has been formed to address the concern.
How Can You Help?
We need community, corporation and nonprofit financial supports to underwrite the costs of sensory kits, which cost $50 each. Our goal is to have 200 kits on-hand when the program launches this year.
We welcome any size donation and all donors will be recognized on print communications, including flyers, press releases, websites and Facebook. In addition:
- Gold sponsors ($2,000+) - Logo recognition prominently displayed on the sensory kits; also, a complimentary sensory kit bag.
- Silver sponsors ($1,000-$1,999) - Logo recognition displayed on the sensory kits.
- Bronze sponsors ($500-$999.99) - Donor name displayed on the sensory kits.
Please make your check payable to: Friends of Portage Township Foundation, Inc.
- on the memo line: for PTACC
- mail to: Portage Township Trustee's Office, 3484 Airport Road, Portage IN 46368.
- attention: Joyce Russell
- donation deadline: July 30, 2020
For questions or more information contact the Portage Township Trustee's Office at 219-762-1623. Thank you.