Event will focus on Alert Cards for First Responders

The Big Island-based Autism Support and Disabilities Center is hosting a symposium this weekend about Alert Cards for First Responders.

The event will be 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel.

The public is invited to attend.

States and counties throughout the U.S. have adopted emergency cards to help identify people with specific needs in times of emergency.

The Alert Cards aim to help law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical services interact with card-holders.

The information for the cards will be confidential and used only for emergency first responders and statistical purposes.

Confidential information may be provided to the first responder if there’s a widespread emergency or evacuation.

The Alert Card project is voluntary, and the ASDC emphasized that it respects privacy rights and requires consent for disclosure.

ASDC has created two cards — one for those who wish to disclose their information, and one for those who do not.

For more about the nonprofit ASDC, visit asdchawaii.org.