Alzheimer's and Autism Awareness for First Responders

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The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is pleased to announce the  “Alzheimer’s and Autism Awareness for First Responders” training course.  

Course Objectives:

• Learn about Alzheimer’s Disease and understand the differences between Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia.
• Recognize behaviors associated with Alzheimer’s/Dementia.
• Learn strategies for effectively managing calls-for-service involving individuals with Alzheimer’s/Dementia.
• Gain insight into Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and other Autism Spectrum Disorders.
• Understand and recognize behaviors related to Autism.
• Develop skills for managing calls-for-service involving Autism Spectrum Disorder, including best practices for crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques.
• Explore tools and technologies available to assist in communication with individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
• Learn about law enforcement agencies and community resources for the autism community on future crisis prevention. 

Who should attend?

This training is open to all first responder groups, including, but not limited to, law enforcement, fire/EMS, EMTs, dispatchers, and corrections. Additionally, campus and school security officers are encouraged to attend. 

Partial In-service Credit:

Partial In-service Credit (PIC) for Virginia law enforcement officers has been approved.

Travel, Lodging, and Meals:

Participants are responsible for their own transportation, lodging arrangements, and expenses.

Training Time and Details:

Check-in will begin at 7:30 am, and the course will be held from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Cost and Registration:

There is no cost to attend this training. Pre-registration is required.

Please note that the DCJS registration system does not have the capacity to sort eligible from ineligible registrants. Therefore, anyone who registers will receive a confirmation. The DCJS-assigned course director is responsible for reviewing the roster and making a final determination on acceptance into the course. Registrants not accepted will be notified via the email address provided during registration.