The CommCard Program seeks to encourage safe and effective communication between helping professionals (including the Columbus Police Department, the Columbus Sheriff Department, and local medical professionals) and people with developmental disabilities.
For some people, social interactions are difficult, and stressful conversations can be traumatic. High-stress situations, such as those with law enforcement, medical professionals, and other community members can be overwhelming and difficult to conduct efficiently. The CommCard trainings and ID can provide greater comfort when an individual with an intellectual or developmental disability find themselves in these situations.
The CommCard Program is free and open to individuals who have a developmental disability and reside in Bartholomew County.
Individuals with developmental disabilities are welcome and encouraged to apply to the CommCard program!
The CommCard Program: Explained
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Trainings
The CommCard Program includes trainings for local law enforcement, medical professionals and community members. There will also be training for individuals with disabilities, all of which will inform participants how to have safe and positive interactions, as well as how to best use their card.
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Identification Card
CommCard Program participants will recieve a fully customized identification card (CommCard) that includes the name of the cardholder, the names and contact information of two advocates, behaviors that may be misunderstood, and suggestions for communication accommodations. There is also room for a stress-diffusing conversation topic.
FAQs
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Cardholders: Individuals ages 16 and older, who have a developmental disability (DD) and reside in Bartholomew County, IN, are eligible for the CommCard Program! For more information on eligibility criteria, please inquire below.
Law Enforcement/Helping Professionals: All local (Bartholomew County, IN) helping professionals are welcome and encouraged to participate in the CommCard Program! This includes police officers/sheriff department, firefighters, EMTs, healthcare workers, DSPs, general community members, and more!
The more who complete the training, the stronger and more beneficial the program can be to our community.
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Enrolling in the CommCard Program is 100% free to everyone!
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Those who wish to acquire a card are required to complete all trainings. This decision was made to ensure that cardholders know how, when, and where to use their card to help aid interactions with law enforcement and other helping professionals.
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We encourage all caregivers and those who are regularly with cardholders to complete the training process.
Completing the training allows cardholders to be aware of what the program entails, help cardholders understand the material if needed, and assist in role-playing situations similar to those that they may encounter with law enforcement/helping professionals.
Interested in Enrolling?
If you would like more information on the CommCard Program and are interested in applying on behalf of yourself or an individual with a developmental disability, please reach out to us and we will be happy to speak more with you!