Mayor Corey Woods Champions Vast Support Services

By: Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen

Autism Now News Correspondent

A Subsidiary of Autism Academy for Education and Development

In a heartfelt interview, Mayor Corey Woods of Tempe, Arizona, sheds light on the city's remarkable commitment to supporting families dealing with autism.  

With a focus on inclusivity and a dedication to making every individual feel seen and valued, Tempe is setting an inspiring example for cities nationwide. 

For over a decade, the Autism Academy for Education and Development has continued to thrive in the city, and the mayor is making sure these students feel seen and included.

Inclusive Initiatives for Autism Support 

Mayor Woods is proud to share the array of initiatives and programs his administration has implemented to ensure the welfare of individuals on the autism spectrum within Tempe.  Among the standout efforts is the city's collaboration with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).  

Last year, Tempe achieved a significant milestone of more than 800 city employees completing sensory training and certification through IBCCES.

The IBCCES Autism Certifications, designed for professionals responsible for supporting or providing services to autistic individuals, have raised awareness and understanding of autism within the community. 

These programs offer a comprehensive, multidisciplinary training approach, ensuring that professionals stay informed about best practices, research, and the latest knowledge in the field. 

Tempe takes pride in achieving the Certified Autism Center Designation, with 80 percent of its community-facing staff completing this vital training. This impressive percentage encompasses a wide range of roles, including community center workers, police and fire personnel, and parks department staff. 

Creating Inclusive Spaces and Experiences 

In addition to professional training, Tempe has actively worked to make the city's public spaces more inclusive. "We administer sensory guidelines, tools, and services to facilitate well-rounded inclusion throughout the community," said Mayor Woods.  The city boasts inclusive play equipment in its parks, which are abundant. Tempe is the leader in park offerings within the valley region.

The city's commitment also extends to the realm of art and recreation, with the creation of stimulating artwork and services through its Adaptive Recreation Program.  

Mayor Woods emphasizes that these initiatives are expansive, vast, and extensive, all-in pursuit of creating spaces where everyone feels acknowledged and included.

"We want to create spaces for people and make them feel as though they are seen," Mayor Woods remarked passionately.  

To achieve this vision, Tempe hosts special Olympic events, summer camps, and a wide range of activities to ensure that the city welcomes everyone. 

Raising Awareness and Building Partnerships 

In recent efforts to further support the autism community, Tempe's leadership group distributed sensory bags to city departments, including the fire and police departments.  

These bags contain valuable information and tools for effectively interacting with individuals with disabilities and autism.

Mayor Woods also expresses Tempe's open approach to potential partnerships.  

"Currently, we aim to partner with the Tempe Tourism Office to raise awareness," he revealed.  The goal is to ensure the city's dedication to inclusivity and autism support is widely known. 

Tempe hosts significant events such as Arizona State University activities, national conferences, major conventions, spring training camps for major league baseball teams, and more.

"We want the Tempe Tourism Office to have this information for recreation and businesses," Mayor Woods emphasized. "We pride ourselves on providing an inclusive experience."

In a world that is increasingly recognizing the importance of inclusivity and support for individuals with autism, Tempe's unwavering commitment stands as a shining example.  

Under Mayor Corey Woods' leadership, the city is not just providing services; it is fostering a culture of understanding, empathy, and inclusion that is both expansive and inspiring. 

By: Anthony KaDarrell Thigpen

Autism Now News Correspondent

A Subsidiary of Autism Academy for Education and Development

Gilbert, Arizona – Chief of Police Michael Soelberg is at the forefront of a movement transforming how law enforcement interacts with and serves the community.

His commitment to compassionate policing, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive training sets a remarkable example for police departments nationwide. 

"At the Gilbert Police Department, we believe in partnerships and are actively seeking opportunities to share education and collaborate with various stakeholders," Chief Soelberg affirms.

The department's dedication to better serving its community has led to the pursuit of innovative partnerships, contributing to better outcomes for all residents.

Recognizing the power of compassion, Chief Soelberg emphasizes that being compassionate comes at no cost. 

To enhance its services, the department actively works on engaging with Gilbert's various sectors, including schools, healthcare providers, nonprofits, and private businesses. With 325 sworn officers, the Gilbert Police Department is a driving force for positive change in the community. 

In collaboration with other city departments, Chief Soelberg has championed certification initiatives to ensure that employees have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively interact with individuals with disabilities.

The training and certification is administered through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).

The IBCCES Autism Certifications are for professionals responsible for the support and/or services provided to individuals with autism.

The program’s overall goal is to provide a well-rounded, multidisciplinary training program and specialized credentials to supplement professionals’ existing knowledge and ensure they are current on best practices, research and incorporate updated knowledge into professional practice.

The police department obtained certification, followed by Parks and Recreation and the Fire Department. This ongoing commitment to certification renewal every two years ensures that new officers attend the training.  It enhances the department's ability to provide empathetic and practical assistance. 

While the Police Department's training and certification initiatives have been groundbreaking, Chief Soelberg has a larger vision. "To be an autism-certified city, we need a couple more departments on board," he states. The police department is actively expanding its outreach and engaging with more city departments to create a cohesive approach to serving individuals with disabilities.

Chief Soelberg's dedication to comprehensive training extends to all levels of public interaction.

Dispatchers, front desk personnel, and anyone engaged in public interactions are all trained to effectively communicate and respond to the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities.

The department's emphasis on mental health issues is also a cornerstone of its approach to crisis intervention. 

The Chief draws inspiration from real-world incidents to continually enhance training. The Buckeye, Arizona incident, where law enforcement beat up a 14-year-old with autism who was playing with a piece of string in a public park, motivated Gilbert to strengthen its readiness to handle any incident. 

The focus on communication and avoiding overreaction is pivotal to ensuring the safety and well-being of all community members.

Chief Soelberg's personal experiences have also shaped his commitment to inclusive policing. He recalls a personal moment when quick thinking prevented a potentially harmful situation involving an individual with hearing impairment and a mental disability. 

This incident underscored the importance of training officers to assess and respond appropriately to unique problems. 

As Gilbert's Police Chief, Michael Soelberg is leading the charge in creating a police force that responds effectively to emergencies and understands its citizens' diverse needs.

By championing partnerships, compassion, and comprehensive training, Chief Soelberg and the Gilbert Police Department are setting a shining example for law enforcement agencies nationwide.

1. One whole pumpkin, gutted

2. Olive Oil

3. Kosher Salt

4. Any seasonings you want, such as cayenne, curry powder, etc. (Optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Seeds

After gutting the pumpkin, place all the seeds and guts in a bowl. Rinse them under cold water in a colander, separating the seeds from the pulp.

Step 2: Dry the Seeds

Spread the rinsed seeds on a baking sheet and let them dry for several hours or even overnight. Avoid using paper towels as the seeds can be quite sticky.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Once the seeds are dry, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).

Step 4: Season the Seeds

Drizzle a couple of teaspoons of olive oil over the seeds and toss them to coat evenly. Season with kosher salt and any optional spices you like.

Step 5: Roast and Enjoy!

Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the seeds until they are light golden brown, which should take about an hour. Let them cool for a few minutes before indulging.

If you manage to have any leftovers, store the pepitas in an airtight container.

Pepitas are not just for snacking; you can also add them to fall salads, sprinkle them over soups, or even include them in homemade granola for an extra crunch.

Pepitas are a simple yet flavorful snack that embodies the essence of fall. They are easy to make and can be customized with various seasonings. So, the next time you find yourself with a gutted pumpkin, don't throw those seeds away—roast them into delicious pepitas instead!