Pentucket’s SEPAC Announces Initiative to Provide Sensory Bags for First Responders

WEST NEWBURY — For some in distress, approaching flashing lights and sirens can be a comforting sign that help is on the way. But for others, the lights and noise can induce panic.

Superintendent Justin Bartholomew is proud to share that the Pentucket Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is launching a community-wide initiative to provide emergency sensory backpacks to first responders in Groveland, Merrimac, and West Newbury.

Emergencies can be especially overwhelming for both children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other communication-inhibiting diagnoses. The presence of flashing lights, sirens and unfamiliar environments can heighten anxiety and create further communication barriers during critical moments.

To address these challenges, SEPAC is working to assemble sensory backpacks equipped with items such as noise-cancelling headphones, fidget items, and visual communication supports. These resources are designed to promote calm environments and improve communication when someone in distress is interacting with first responders.

Backpack items will help de-escalate situations by reducing sensory overload,

and support more compassionate, responsive care.

This initiative reflects SEPAC’s commitment to promoting inclusivity, safety and understanding within the district. Police and Fire departments in Groveland, Merrimac, and West Newbury will each receive the sensory backpacks for use in emergency vehicles.

SEPAC hopes to assemble and distribute 35 backpacks, with each bag costing approximately $45 to create. Donations will go directly toward the materials needed to build and supply these tools to first responders.

“I want to thank the SEPAC members for bringing this initiative to life,” said Superintendent Bartholomew. “By equipping our police and fire departments with these tools, SEPAC is taking an important step toward ensuring every individual is met with the support they need in critical moments.”

The backpacks will be filled at SEPAC’s May 20th meeting at the Merrimac Library, and distributed shortly afterward.

Community members are asked to support this initiative through SEPAC’s Amazon wish list.

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