Interaction Advisory Group announces Establishment of Advisory Board
Comprised of leading psychologist, first responders, self-advocates and parents
Birmingham, Alabama – October 29, 2020 – Interaction Advisory Group, LLC (IAG) today announced that it has established an Advisory Board. The newly formed board will play an important role in advising the company on future curriculum development, ideas of impactful community engagement activities and offer thoughts on a myriad of topics. They will also be involved in any potential developmental of new training offerings.
The initial members of the Advisory Board are:
- Sarah O’Kelley, Ph.D – Director of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Clinic at UAB Civitan-Sparks Clinics
- Melanie Bald, M.S.W. – Director of Services, Triumph Services a nonprofit organization that supports adults with developmental disabilities achieve independence
- Aaron Henderson. – Self-Advocate Representative
- Taijoun Robinson – Self-Advocate Representative
- A.W. – Self-Advocate Representative
- David Hyche – Chief of Police, Calera Police Department
- Chris Townsend – Sergeant, Madison Police Department
- Vivian Spears – Parent Representative
“IAG feels inclusion should be a practice not just a theory. It is critical we obtain the viewpoints and opinions from individuals representing those impacted by our training,” said President and Co-Founder, Dustin Chandler. “This is the precise reason we felt the need to formalize our Advisory Board. We are excited to work with this group to enrich our training and engage our community in more impactful ways.”
“Law enforcement officers today need to be equipped to better understand and successfully communicate with all types of individuals,” added Chief David Hyche. “Inability to effectively communicate and understand each other can often lead to conflict. Individuals with special needs and their families can also benefit from casual interaction and familiarity with law enforcement officers, police equipment and facilities.”
Since the company was founded in 2015 IAG has trained thousands of first responders across Alabama and the United States including military installations Maxwell Air Force Base and Fort. Rucker.
“The work Interaction Advisory Group is doing is critical in helping first responders understand how to keep individuals with autism or developmental disabilities safe during any interaction”, stated Dr. O’Kelley. “IAG has been a valuable resource, partner, and advocate within our state and I am pleased to be a part of their Advisory Board.”
With the creation of the Advisory Board, IAG continues to lead the industry and foster positive relationships between first responders and the developmental disability community.
Learn more about the members of the advisory board here: www.interactionadvisorygroup.com/advisory-board
For more information about trainings or to learn more about Interaction Advisory Group contact; info@interactionadvisorygroup.com
Interaction Advisory Group (IAG) believes true inclusion and acceptance for all individuals with special needs is integral for our future. IAG aims to improve the interactions between those with special needs and society at large through customized special needs awareness and training. IAG training is specialized for first responders, public service officials and private sector workers including teachers, and hospitality professionals. IAG was co-founded by noted special needs advocate Dustin Chandler and Kirchner Group, a boutique firm that has been helping companies create value, while promoting values since 1985. www.interactionadvisorygroup.com
Dustin Chandler | President & Co-Founder | +1 205.447.7998 | dustin@interactionadvisorygroup.com