The new communication boards will help officers to better understand the needs of individuals with autism, learning disabilities and limited English- speaking abilities.
ELBERFELD — Elberfeld Police have a new way of communicating to people with autism and other non-verbal individuals.
Elberfeld Town Marshall Lloyd Jones said he was contacted by the Autism Society of Indiana to gauge whether or not the department would be interested in receiving communication boards.
“Obviously, I jumped on board,” he said. “I think anytime we can come up with a better communication tool is helpful.”
The communication boards were provided through a grant by the Autism Society of America and Today’s Champions.
The communication boards — which have illustrations of various activities and descriptions — serve as a visual tool that officers and other emergency personnel can use to more effectively communicate with individuals autism, learning disabilities, dementia, limited English, etc.
“You need something simple to communicate with them,” Jones said.
Communication boards are something that officers can easily reach for when needed and are straight forward in their approach. They fold up and are in each of the department’s vehicles.
They include many different scenarios and questions that can help the individual communicate to the officer.
Jones said it can be difficult for some people to effectively communicate if they are having difficulty due to an abundance of stimuli.
“We can have them point to a picture so we know what’s going on with them,” he said.
Officers were provided a training video showing how to best use the communication boards.
A structure fire broke out over the weekend on Julianne Circle. Several agencies assisted the Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Department, including Newburgh Fire Department, Chandler Volunteer Fire Department, Yankeetown Fire Department, Boonville Fire Department and Scott Township Fire Department.
Crews respond to 2-alarm house fire
NEWBURGH — It’s less than one month until the Women’s Club of Newburgh hosts its largest annual fundraiser.
The 29th Annual Arts and Crafts Show is set for Saturday, Feb. 25, at Castle High School.
The event will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for ages 12 and under.
Funds raised at the Arts and Craft Show are used for grants to various non-profits, as well as scholarships to students.
“Our main goal is to benefit and better the lives of people in our community,” said Jerri Cooper, president. “All the proceeds from our fundraisers go back into the community.”
Last year’s event had approximately 1,600 eager shoppers fill the halls of Castle High School.
Cooper said she hopes this year’s event will raise at least $20,000 this year.
This year’s show will feature 205 booths from 154 vendors.
Some of the goods available this year include one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing, art prints, housewares and more.
“We have a waiting list (for vendors) because we are full,” she said. “We have vendors from Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee and Alabama.”
In addition to homemade arts and crafts, visitors to the show will also find plenty of food options for sale.
This year marks the Women’s Club of Newburgh’s 60th anniversary.
During its tenure as a philanthropic club, the ladies have raised nearly $1 million for non-profits and graduating seniors.
Recipients of the club’s philanthropy are recognized each May during a luncheon.
“We are a great club,” said Cooper. “A lot of people don’t know how much we’ve done over the years.”
This year’s membership is around 100.
For more information on the Women’s Club of Newburgh or the 29th Annual Arts and Crafts Show, go to womensclubofnewburgh.org.
