May 29, 2015
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Justice Center Urges Public to Take Action if You See a Person with Special Needs Alone in a Vehicle in Summer HeatNew Toolkit Highlights Dangers of Unattended Vehicles |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2015
Contact: Diane Ward, Office of Communications
(518) 549-0200
diane.ward@justicecenter.ny.gov
The NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs today launched the second in a series of Spotlight on Prevention toolkits designed to raise awareness of this warm weather danger and provide safety tips that can be used by drivers, transport aides, provider agency personnel and the public to prevent an accidental tragedy from occurring.
“We are often reminded of the dangers of leaving children in cars when temperatures soar,” said Special Prosecutor/Inspector General Patricia E. Gunning. “However, people may not realize adults with special needs who are left in a vehicle under the same conditions may not be able to seek help for themselves. The case study and strategies introduced in this toolkit are designed to serve as a reminder that during the summer months, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels in just 10 minutes and special care must be taken to ensure occupants, especially people who are vulnerable, remain safe.”
Since its inception on June 30, 2013, the Justice Center’s 24/7 toll-free hotline for reporting allegations of abuse and neglect has received more than 160 reports of individuals with special needs being left unaccompanied in a vehicle. None of the individuals suffered serious injury.
The Justice Center not only works to seek justice for individuals receiving services who have been victimized -- the agency also develops innovative strategies to prevent abuse or neglect from happening. Spotlight on Prevention is one of its prevention initiatives.
The Spotlight on Prevention toolkit includes: · Case study http://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/sites/default/files/documents/SOP_unattended_Article-v.pdf · Fact Sheet for Individuals, Self-Advocates, Families & Friends · Fact Sheet for Drivers, Transportation Aides & Staff http://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/spotlight-prevention/toolkits/unattended-vehicles/fact-sheet-drivers · Fact Sheet for Provider Agencies · Infographic Poster on Heatstroke Dangers http://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/sites/default/files/documents/InfographicPostervehiclesafety.pdf · Vehicle Inspection Safety Tips http://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/sites/default/files/documents/InfographicPostervehiclesafety.pdf · Hang Tag Order Form http://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/sites/default/files/documents/HangTagOrderFormFillable.pdf · Video Gallery: Heatstroke Danger in Vehicles http://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/spotlight-prevention/toolkits/unattended-vehicles/video-gallery The content of the toolkit is the result of an analysis of incidents reported to the Justice Center. Systemic failures that either contribute to dangerous events or -- if not corrected -- are likely to lead to such events in the future are identified. The toolkit provides information about the risk of such failures, the lessons learned, and simple, common-sense practices to help individuals, family members, staff members and provider agencies take a proactive approach to creating safe, supportive environments for people who receive services.
To learn more about the Justice Center’s prevention efforts, visit the Abuse Prevention Resource Center at: http://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/spotlight-prevention/home
About the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Established by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the Legislature, the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs is dedicated to supporting and protecting people with special needs and disabilities.
The Justice Center serves as a law enforcement agency which seeks to ensure that individuals who receive services from a facility or provider that is operated, licensed or certified by six state agencies, are protected from abuse, neglect and mistreatment. Assessing risks to the health and safety of individuals receiving services, and supporting commensurate action to prevent potential abuse and neglect are critical components of the agency’s independent oversight role.
Through its advocacy-related services, the Justice Center also provides information, technical assistance and training to support and empower individuals with disabilities of all ages, in all settings. |
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