Access 2 Independence

As we prepare for an exciting summer ahead, Access2Independence recently hosted our Culminating Meeting for the Bridging the Gap (BTG) program! Families and participants gathered together to review all important camp information, receive packets with schedules, packing lists, recommended apps, and other must-know details to help everyone feel prepared and confident for camp.

We were also honored to welcome Birdie Hicks from Columbus Fire & Rescue, who presented the Yellow Dot Program and guided each BTG participant in creating their own Yellow Dot emergency information folder to take to camp and continue using at home.

The Yellow Dot Program is a simple but powerful safety initiative designed to help first responders quickly access important medical and emergency contact information during an emergency. Participants keep a completed medical information form in their vehicle or home, marked with a yellow dot decal, allowing emergency personnel to provide faster and more informed care when every second matters. We encourage all community members to learn more about this life-saving program by contacting their local fire and rescue department.

If your school, community group, organization, or agency would like to coordinate a Yellow Dot event or presentation, please contact Jennifer Lang at mailto:[email protected].

A special thank you again to Columbus Fire & Rescue for their continued partnership and commitment to supporting our youth and community. We also want to sincerely thank Denise Fox from Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency for attending the event, showing support for our BTG participants, and helping families clarify important camp information and details.

At Access2Independence, we believe preparation, safety, independence, and community partnerships create opportunities for success — and we are proud to continue building those opportunities together.

Thank you to Columbus Fire for hosting our P2P students for the “A day in the Life of a Firefighter”. Our students will navigate the Obstacle Course, have a gear tour, Tool vs. Toy, Fire Extinguisher Class, fire hose demonstration and a meet and greet with Firefighters and Paramedics.