A Black woman police officer and a white man police officer stand with a man and woman with Down Syndrome. All four are smiling. The man with Down Syndrome and the Black Woman Police Officer are embracing.

We work with officers and first responders in two main ways:

1. Provide training resources that include people with disabilities. The Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission is the agency that determines the training requirements for entry-level and in-service officers. We have worked hard to create a curriculum that meets these standards. Our training is available for free and includes a slide deck, resources and videos, teaching notes to read (script), and our suggestions for scenario-based training exercises and activities. This training is designed to be easy to use by any police department or academy. You can also contact us for more help to create a training to support positive interactions with people with I/DD or to connect with people with I/DD in your jurisdiction.

2. Connect officers and first responders to community-based organizations for people with I/DD to improve interactions, safety, and awareness. ESA administers grants to community-based organizations for projects that improve interactions between law enforcement, first responders, and people with I/DD. This is our Community Impact Grant initiative. We support events and programs that build relationships and support positive interactions between officers and people with I/DD.

For Law enforcement & First Responders

The Ethan Saylor Alliance (ESA) within the Maryland Department of Disabilities is working to improve the interaction of law enforcement, other first responders, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). 

By getting to know people with I/DD, officers gain benefits that go far beyond the classroom — they could even make a friend along the way.

Self-advocate addresses a group of officers seated in a classroom

Training standards

Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission adopted a list of extensive training objectives developed by ESA for entry-level and in-service police officers on effective communication and de-escalation, understanding characteristics and vulnerabilities experienced by people with I/DD, increased awareness of community resources, and more. 

Two men, one with and one without disabilities, stand in front of a projection of a slide that says "Your next patient has Autism: Are you prepared?" and the Pathfinders for Autism logo.

model curriculum*

ESA’s 7-module curriculum on effectively interacting with people who have I/DD is available to the public. This easy-to-implement curriculum includes presentation slides, links to resources and videos, scripts, and suggestions for scenario-based training exercises. It can be used by any police department or academy to meet the entry-level and a triennial in-service training requirement for veteran officers.

*The model curriculum is currently being revised to include new and modified objectives. ESA expects to have a first draft by July 2025.

Young woman in passenger side of a car smiling with a thumbs up and an officer standing alongside her

cross-training

Officials can help build on our work by engaging in cross-training opportunities. Some ideas: host a ride-along event; visit community-based organizations that support people with I/DD; Take the Polar Bear Plunge with the Special Olympics; Partner with Pathfinders for Autism to support their Driver Safety Program – and more! Contact us for more information and ideas.