RECOGNIZE - EDUCATE - ADVOCATE

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The inception of Ben’s Blue Bags began in 2019 in Crown Point, IN. Matt Kodicek, a Fire Department Paramedic and Autism dad, noticed that many first responders lacked essential tools and training to care for children on the Autism Spectrum, like his 5-year-old son, Ben Kodicek. Determined to make a difference, Matt created Ben’s Blue Bags.

These bags are specifically designed for first responders and include various sensory and communication tools to help in overstimulating situations. Each bag contains items such as dry-erase boards, markers, communication boards, noise-canceling headphones, and additional sensory calming tools to support de-escalation during emergencies and non-emergency situations.

Ben’s Blue Bags also come with essential training to help first responders better interact with this population and effectively use the tools in various situations. Now, more than five years later, Ben’s Blue Bags have supported Hoosier first responders by providing these tools and training to improve care for individuals with ASD and other disabilities or special needs. Indiana remains our priority, but we also have an international impact.

To date, Ben’s Blue Bags has provided 700+ bags to 3,000+ first responders in 7 states and 2 countries.