OUR PROGRAM
An individualized approach.
A.K.E has developed a level-based plan to accommodate various concerns that patients and their support systems may have. These concerns can be individually assessed and the environment adjusted accordingly to provide the best results. The goal of this program is to identify specific stressors, understand them, and work towards alleviating the stress they cause. This offers the opportunity for sensory desensitization, the use of functional communication mediums, and familiarization with the ambulance aimed at reducing anxiety.
Sensory sensitivity often includes sound, lights, smell, and touch. A.K.E. plans to use our individual-based approach to manipulate factors in a manner that progressively desensitizes specific cues in a way that is safe and fun. Using evidence-based approaches we are able to build a tolerance to certain cues that may cause sensory overstimulation or under-stimulation. This exposure will lessen the potential negative impact of an abrupt immersion into a true emergency environment.
Our program begins with an assessment and short questionnaire to help identify specific needs and conserved. After the initial assessment, we work through our levels starting with the most appropriate. Once the goals of a particular level are met, we move on to the next! After Level 5, sensory desensitization and comfortability are tested. If the test is successful, the individual has “graduated” and we only recommend occasional refreshers! If the test isn’t passed, we just step back to a comfortable level and keep working until “graduation”!
A.K.E. has two ways of delivering this program; in small groups and in a one-on-one format. Both of these options are offered free of charge to anyone who feels they could benefit from an "Ambulance Knowledge Experience".
OUR PROGRESS
A.K.E. is in its beginning stages, and because of that, we are only starting to acquire all the supplies and funding we need in order to provide all of these services. We are committed to bringing the special needs community the best experience possible and are working as quickly as we can to do just that. At the moment we are offering modified group events as well as all the free, downloadable resources provided on this site. If you have any questions about our progress or wish to collaborate with A.K.E on a potential project, please reach out!