U.S. Department of Education Emergency Response and Crisis Management Initiative

Upper Darby, Pennsylvania Located on the border of West Philadelphia 8 square miles with a population of approximately 90, Schools (14 public & 8 non-public) 18,000 students total 4,000 students in Upper Darby High School

Upper Darby School District Safe Schools Long history of safe schools initiatives On-going training of administrators and staff Regular drills Collaboration among safe schools partners Several incidents highlighted our need to focus on special needs populations.

Emergency Response and Crisis Management (ERCM) Special Needs Project Goal To increase the district’s, schools’, and partners’ capacity to effectively respond to students with special needs in an emergency or crisis, most notably special education students and students who do not speak English.

Autistic Support Program Students with autism have unique needs during drills and emergencies due to their disability.

Professional Meeting Brainstorming session with principal and teachers about emergency preparedness and response led to the following outcomes: Need for additional items in the Go-Kit. Identification of need for classroom teacher to remain with students with autism at all times. Need for evacuation site with separate area for Autistic Support Program.

Classroom Go-Kits Teachers in the Autistic Support Program created Go-Kits that include the following items: Headsets Sensory toys Snacks Picture Time Line

Drill Planning Meeting Lockdown and evacuation drill with bus transportation planned. Participants: -School Crisis Team Members -Upper Darby School District Transportation Department -Upper Darby School District Senior Safety Officer -Upper Darby Township Emergency Management Services -First Responders

Summary of Lockdown & Evacuation Drill School-wide lockdown & evacuation to off-site location. Go-kits. Teachers remained with their students. Bus transportation. Separate area at evacuation site for Autistic Support Program. Students returned to school at the conclusion of the drill.

Drill Outcome All students and staff participated safely in the drill. Feedback from first responders about the school’s actions was positive. Principal from nearby elementary school observed. Her school is also a potential evacuation site for school. She is better informed. Preparation made a difference.

Research on Autism & Emergency Response The following experts were consulted to enhance our understanding of autism and emergency response: Autistic Support Staff Parent advocates Autism advocacy organization

Autism & First Responders Upper Darby School District purchased training video on autism for Upper Darby Police. They incorporated the video into yearly training program. Upper Darby School District provided a 1 hour training on autism & the Autistic Support Program to firefighters and paramedics.

Win-Win Upper Darby School District had the opportunity to share some basic information about their students. First responders earned training hours and gained a better understanding of what they may encounter when coming to our schools. Training provided a unique opportunity for dialogue between the school and first responders.

Contact Information Margie Bates Upper Darby School District 4611 Bond Avenue Drexel Hill, PA Telephone: (610)