Wickliffe: First responders to skate with special needs groups at Feb. 15 event

News-Herald - 1/29/2023

Jan. 29—First responders from throughout the Greater Cleveland area are coming out to celebrate those with autism at the Special Needs Skating with First Responders event.

The Feb. 15 event is a collaboration with police departments from Euclid, Highland Heights, Richmond Heights and Wickliffe and alongside Heroes Helping those with Special Needs, a nonprofit organization that teaches first responders how to work with special needs individuals.

The event will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at United Skates of America located at 30325 Palisades Parkway in Wickliffe. The roller-skating rink will waive all rental and admission, but registration is required.

"Our mission is to train first responders on how to deal with people who have special needs whether it be someone with autism or otherwise," said Jenna Newman, the president of Heroes Helping those with Special Needs. "We want to help first responders become comfortable and feel equipped to help anyone with special needs issues."

Newman said the organization became a nonprofit in 2021 and has organized several classes and events like this by working alongside dedicated first responders.

"We reached out to Richmond Heights Police because we saw they were hosting a skating night, and together we worked on organizing this night so that it would be more suitable for people with special needs," Newman said. "Kids with autism need smaller crowds where the atmosphere is a bit calmer. We have worked alongside Richmond Heights to ensure that the skating event will be as good as it gets."

Newman gives thanked Richmond Heights Police and Chief Thomas Wetzel for helping to organize the event and hopes that they will continue to collaborate in the future.

The event will also feature a raffle where small prizes such as sensory tote bags, fidget devices and other trinkets will be distributed.

"We are looking at a regional approach to community policing by getting all these other departments involved, multiple officers and a bigger radius to help people get to know our first responders," Wetzel said. "Working with Jenna Newman has been fantastic and we are looking forward to having this event"

Those who want to register can email Newman at Heroeshelping@Yahoo.com.

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