By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The Angel Warriors Foundation will work to train area first responders on handling the challenges associated with responding to a call involving a person with special needs during an upcoming event at Alabaster City Hall.

The Angel Warriors Foundation, which provides and supports programs for area individuals with special needs and their families, will hold the first responder training from 8 a.m.-noon on Monday, Feb. 25, at Alabaster City Hall at 1953 Municipal Way.

Angel Warriors organizer Jamia Alexander-Williams said the event’s target audience will be members of the law enforcement, public safety, fire and rescue, juvenile and criminal justice communities.

The event is free, and certificates and four continuing education units will be provided upon completion.

During the event, Dustin Chandler, co-founder of the Interaction Advisory Group, parent of a child with disabilities and former Pelham police officer, will provide training “designed to educate individuals about the challenges associated with (autism spectrum disorder) that may impair communication between an individual with ASD and a first responder,” Alexander-Williams said.

“Police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians who are trained to interact with those with a diagnosis of ASD may avoid miscommunications, unnecessary detainments and injuries,” read the event’s description.

To register for the event, contact Alexander-Williams at jamiaka@gmail.com or call Bama Hager at 383-1674 for more information.