STARability Foundation offers summer safety webinar for families and caregivers on June 24

STARability Foundation invites families and caregivers to its upcoming “Support. Learn. Connect.” webinar focused on summer safety for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. The free virtual session, “Summer Safety Ideas and Recommendations,” will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24.

Part of STARability’s monthly webinar series offered through the support services department, the session will feature Sgt. Dan McDonald of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Autism Support Project. The webinar is designed to provide practical guidance and proactive safety strategies to help families navigate common summer situations while promoting independence and community engagement.

Summer activities often bring new environments, routines and challenges for individuals with developmental disabilities. During the webinar, attendees will learn tips and recommendations related to water safety, shopping and community safety, and creating a secure home environment. Participants will leave with valuable tools and resources to help loved ones enjoy a safe and successful summer season.

“As families become more active during the summer months, it’s important to be prepared for situations that may arise both at home and in the community,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “We are grateful to partner with Sgt. McDonald and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to provide families with trusted information, practical safety guidance and valuable resources tailored to individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.”

McDonald currently serves in the Youth Relations Division at the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and brings more than 36 years of law enforcement experience to the discussion. Throughout his career, he has served in numerous roles including patrol deputy, school resource officer, homicide detective, firearms instructor, hostage negotiator and internal affairs investigator. He holds both a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and International Business and a bachelor’s degree in executive management.

In addition to his law enforcement duties, McDonald is recognized nationally as a subject matter expert in public safety interactions with individuals with autism. Since 2006, he has taught across the United States. In 2021, McDonald developed the Autism Support Project for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. The initiative provides training for agencies, businesses, civic groups and families while also helping parents prepare for situations involving elopement, travel, emergencies and general safety planning.

STARability’s “Support. Learn. Connect.” series is held on the last Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m., offering accessible, expert-led discussions on topics important to families and caregivers. Previous webinar topics have included emergency preparedness, financial planning tools such as special needs trusts and ABLE accounts, and safety practices for individuals with autism.

The webinar is free and open to the public. To register or receive additional information, visit STARability.org/upcoming-events or email supportservices@starability.org.

STARability Foundation is a regional leader in providing innovative, results-driven programs designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities throughout Southwest Florida. Through its comprehensive programming, STARability serves hundreds of participants each year, helping them build skills, foster relationships and engage meaningfully in their communities.

To learn more about STARability Foundation’s programs and resources, visit STARability.org.

About STARability Foundation

For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities. Formed by a small community of caring parents, STARability has become one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits. Today, the organization is opening a world of possibilities for hundreds of individuals ages 14 and older by offering a variety of inclusive programs focused on vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement and community involvement. Their compassionate team supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize teamwork and a connection to the community while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities. To learn more about the services and program offerings available, please visit STARability.org.