HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Sheriff’s offices in two Western North Carolina counties are launching programs aimed at helping first responders better recognize and assist residents with special needs during emergencies.
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office this week announced the rollout of free Special Needs Occupant stickers designed to alert law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical personnel that someone inside a home or vehicle may require additional communication, medical or sensory accommodations.
Officials said the stickers are intended to help responders adjust their approach during emergencies, traffic stops or other high-stress situations, allowing for safer and calmer interactions.
The program supports individuals with a range of needs, including autism and other neurodiverse conditions, developmental or intellectual disabilities, hearing or vision impairments, mobility limitations and certain medical conditions that may affect communication or behavior.
Residents are encouraged to place the stickers near a home’s front entrance or on a vehicle’s rear window where they are easily visible to approaching responders.
The decals are available at no cost through school resource officers for school-age children or by visiting the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office lobby during regular business hours.
Officials also encouraged families to enroll in Smart911, a voluntary service that allows residents to create safety profiles containing medical information, emergency contacts and other details that can be shared automatically with 911 dispatchers during emergency calls.
Meanwhile, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with McDowell County Emergency Services, recently launched a similar Occupant with Special Needs decal program for county residents.
Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan said the decals help first responders recognize when additional patience or communication support may be necessary during interactions such as traffic stops, accidents or medical emergencies.
“We’re committed to making every interaction safer and more supportive for our community,” Buchanan said in a statement.
The decals are available free of charge to McDowell County residents through multiple distribution points, including the sheriff’s office, EMS headquarters, the agency’s website and mobile app.
Buchanan also credited community member Donita Plemmons for helping develop the initiative, saying her collaboration contributed to efforts aimed at improving quality of life for county residents.
Law enforcement officials in both counties said the programs are part of broader efforts to improve emergency response outcomes and strengthen communication between first responders and individuals with special needs.