CLAY COUNTY — The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has implemented a program for people with cognitive or communication disabilities who may need special assistance in times of emergency.

The Take Me Home Program, originally developed by the Pensacola, Fla., Police Department, gathers information that could be of assistance if a person is unable to speak or properly identify themselves, or if they become disoriented or act in a manner that could be misinterpreted by first responders, shared Sarah Boyd, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office public relations manager.

The program is entirely voluntary. According to the sheriff’s office, loved ones of Clay County residents with cognitive or communication disabilities can sign them up online by submitting identifying information – including a photo – condition or illness, and care-giver contacts. The online form can be found at sheriffclayco.org/community-resources/take-me-home-program/

This information is available in a database that can only be accessed by law enforcement agencies in Clay County. Deputies or officers can query the database or see nearby program participants on a map.

“We honestly have no idea how many people this will affect,” Boyd said. “I do intend to meet with groups that support these individuals throughout Clay County to get the word out.”

Take Me Home was originally designed for those with conditions that can involve elopement, like dementia or autism. But it can also serve as a way to notify law enforcement of sensory or communication issues should an individual with those conditions come into contact with police.