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The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Office and the Police Chiefs Association have created a Special Needs Registry, according to a joint advisory issued Tuesday morning by the Asbury Park Police and Fire departments. .

A voluntary service open to all citizens with special needs who reside, attend school or are employed in Monmouth County, the registry will help police officers and other emergency service personnel better assist persons diagnosed with a special needs disability in the event of an emergency, officials said in a written news release.

According to the National Organization on Disability, close to 54 million Americans [or 1/5th of the population] have a physical, sensory or intellectual disability.

The registry will provide first responders with vital information regarding an individual’s special needs, emergency contact information, physical description and a current photograph.

Registrant information also may include prescribed medications, doctor information and blood type.  It will be up to the registrant as to how much of the non-mandatory information they wish to share

All information will be kept confidential, officials said.

Registrants will be issued window decals to be placed on the front entrance of their residence [above right] as well as on vehicles.

The presence of the decal should signify that someone in the residence/vehicle has some degree of special need and first responders should respond accordingly, the news release said.

For more information about the program, visit: www.mcsnrnj.org, or call 732-431-6400, ext. 1188 or contact your local Police Department.

[photos courtesy of www.facebook.com/mcsnrnj]

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