COURTESY SANTA CLARITA VALLEY SHERIFF’S STATION 

As the mother of a young man with autism, Santa Clarita resident Emily Iland is keenly aware of the risk that young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder may face in emergency situations.

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 This inspired her to create “Be Safe The Movie,” a 60-minute film co-produced by Joey Travolta.

Made by and for teens and adults with autism and similar disabilities, the video shows them how to interact safely with police officers or sheriff’s deputies.

The city of Santa Clarita and the Valencia Library will host a free interactive screening of “Be Safe: The Movie” with Iland at the Valencia Public Library on Monday  from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Teens and adults with ASD and similar disabilities are invited to attend along with their parents, teachers and service providers. “During the event the audience will be watching episodes from BE SAFE The Movie and then try fun activities from the teaching guide,” Iland explained.

Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Dubin is one of five deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station who will be participating in the BE SAFE interactive screening.

The deputies will explain how they use the tools on their duty belts and even allow attendees to try on handcuffs if they want to. “We are happy to partner with the community, and reach out to young people with special needs so they know what to expect in emergency situations or encounters with deputies,” Dubin said. “I hope that many families will take advantage of this opportunity to learn to be safe.”

With the incidence of autism on the rise, and alarming stories on the news about clashes between those with disabilities and law enforcement officials, safety cannot be left to chance.

Training sheriff’s deputies is one part of the safety equation, but those with disabilities also need help to learn important safety skills.

BE SAFE The Movie and the interactive screenings are proactive tools that parents and teachers can use to reduce risk and improve outcomes for everyone involved.

About “Be Safe: The Movie”

A video modeling tool made by and for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities, BE SAFE is an authentic, unique and relevant safety tool that can help all young adults to become more independent and safe in the community. BE SAFE the Movie is available for sale at https://squareup.com/market/emily-iland.

About Emily Iland, M.A.

As past President of the Autism Society Los Angeles and mother to Tom, a 30-year-old man with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emily Iland brings personal experience and insight to her professional roles as an award-winning author, advocate and adjunct professor of Special Education at California State University, Northridge.

A founding member of the Santa Clarita Autism Asperger Network (SCAAN) and the SCV Special Needs Registry, Iland is also involved at the state and national level in initiatives and policies related to autism.

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