First responders across the state must now undergo either online or in-person training aimed at helping them better serve Alabamians who may have invisible disabilities or sensory needs in a time of need. The new law mandating the one-hour training went into effect on January 1.

A high-ranking firefighter believes the new law will better prepare first responders for interactions with those who have sensory issues — especially when time is of the essence.

“Often times they are very difficult to deal with if you don’t understand the needs, you can make the problem much worse,” Executive Director of the Alabama Fire College Matt Russell told ABC 33/40. “People with sensory needs are very sensitive to loud noises, sometimes audible and visual cues, sometimes its texture, hugs those kinds of things.”

Russell noted the teamwork that is making the training possible.

“One-hour video, we partnered with Kulture City. Kulture City is a known national organization delivering this training for sensory needs and so we partner with them, and they have bags and kits that allow us to help people with sensory needs.”

The Alabama Fire College wants to be a “part of the solution,” according to Russell.

“We need to be able to solve that constituent’s issues, whether it’s the individuals or their family members,” he said. “It gives them peace of mind knowing that there are people out there attempting to address the issues that they have.”

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten