The Yellow Dot Program helps first responders access important medical and emergency contact information following a vehicle accident or medical emergency.
Participants place a Yellow Dot decal on their vehicle and store a completed personal information form in the glove box, helping emergency personnel quickly identify and respond to individual needs when every second counts.
The materials are FREE for Kentucky residents.
Video - What is Yellow Dot and How to Use the program
Video - Yellow Dot information for First Responders
Yellow Dot Materials Order Form - FREE for Kentucky Residents
TIPS: As you fill out your Yellow Dot materials, think about an emergency situation and provide short, concise information that would be helpful for first responders to know.
Issue 3: September 2026 - Sensory Differences
Supporting safer, more informed responses across Kentucky.
FREE ON-DEMAND LEARNING
Explore KATC's YouTube Channel -
be sure to check out the Safety Playlist and the NEW Micro-Lessons Playlist
Yellow Dot Information of First Responders
Best Practices for Elopement for School Staff
Autism Sensory Bag Training
Yellow Dot Program
topics featured in The Bridge: First Responders & Autism - Quarterly Safety Newsletter
Tips for First Responders
Overview of autism and impact of emergency situations
How to make a sensory kit to keep in your vehicle
Sensory Bag Training - in partnership with KCCRT
Emergencies from an Autistic POV: Sensory Overload (video from The Autism Project)
Did you know?
Nearly 50% of autistic youth wander --- check water FIRST!
Resources for Wandering
National Autism Association - Materials to Prevent, Educate & Respond to wandering incidents
Big Red Safety Box - FREE for caregivers
currently out of stock - check back frequently
Project Life Saver - Locating device/program that uses radio frequency vs GPS and/or cell service
Find a participating agency - enter your zip code to learn what agency/agencies participate in Project Lifesaver
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children - FREE materials to better understand and respond to wandering incidents
Urgent Alert 2024 - Urging public to be aware of the high rate of wandering and the high risk of drowning
Kentucky's IAN ALERT
What is it?
An Ian Alert is issued when a child is missing and public awareness may help locate them.
Who sends it?
Kentucky State Police, in partnership with local law enforcement and emergency agencies, issue Ian Alerts.
What should I do if I receive one?
Read the alert and follow the instructions provided. If you have information that could help, contact law enforcement immediately.
Important safety reminder:
Be aware of nearby water, including rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, ditches, and pools.
Kentucky Ian Alert System is outlined in KRS 16.176
Created: July 2024
First used: July 15, 2025
FREE Visual Supports
The Bridge Quick Reference Cards
Issue 1: Wandering Response
Issue 2: Communication
Issue 3: Sensory Differences
Participants of the FREE TRAINING will:
Build understanding of autism and how it presents across individuals
Learn effective communication strategies for all ages
Explore de-escalation techniques tailored to autistic needs
Discover local, state, and national autism-related resources including the Yellow Dot Program
Schedule a Training for Your Team
To request a training session, please complete our digital request form.
Currently scheduling trainings for late October and beyond.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Heidi Cooley-Cook at heidi.cooleycook@louisville.edu.
We look forward to partnering with you to enhance safety, deepen understanding, and foster positive outcomes in every call.
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Autism and the First Responder is approved for two CE/Contact Hours from KY Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS) & KY Fire Commission- State Fire Rescue Training.
Additionally, the instructor and the course is approved by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC).