ALTON – A Rio Grande Valley police department is launching a new safety awareness program to assist those with special needs.

Alton Police Chief Jonathan Flores says the new safety initiative is to help first responders manage emergency calls and help citizens with disabilities.

Flores says the initiative will include four optional bumper stickers for occupants who may be deaf, diabetic, autistic, suffering from Alzheimer’s or have dementia.

He says the program will include training on how to handle people with disabilities. 

Local resident Jaqueline Rodriguez says she drives about a couple hours per day to take her 8-year-old son with autism to therapy sessions.

Rodriguez says she worries for her son every time she is on the road.

She says something as simple as a bumper sticker indicating there is a passenger with a disability aboard would help calm her worries.

Residents wishing to obtain a sticker can contact the Alton Police Department to register with proof of diagnosis.

For more information, watch the video above.