FASNY program helps kids learn lifesaving skills

HUDSON, N.Y. (NEWS10) — The FASNY Museum of Firefighting already teaches thousands of children about fire safety each year. Now, they’re working to make those lessons more inclusive — with a new program designed for neurodiverse children. They are asking for the public’s help to turn that program into reality.

At the FASNY Museum of Firefighting, every display and class is built around one goal — helping families stay safe. The museum is expanding its reach with a new initiative called “You Matter” — designed to help neurodiverse children learn life-saving skills in ways that work for them.

“We’re trying to launch a program for the Neurodiverse because we know that they are more susceptible to accidents, about 50% higher mortality rate than the average population. So, it’s really important that we teach them fire safety, water safety and dog safety.” said Jamie Smith Quinn, Executive Director of the FASNY Museum of Firefighting.

The program uses sensory-friendly spaces and visual lessons to help children understand danger without fear — making safety education more accessible to every family. They also have a furry representative, Molly the dalmatian, who helps out with the programs and helps to teach the kids.

Officials say families should always check smoke alarms, practice fire drills, and plan a meeting spot outside. After the recent deadly fire on Twiller Street in Albany — where 5 people, including 3 children, were killed — museum staff say programs like this are more important than ever.

Maya McNulty, Director of Development and Fundraising at FASNY Museum of Firefighting, added, “It offers inclusion. And it’s a program that the neurodiverse diverse community will be able to learn fire safety and also improve and empower them to be able to go out and feel confident in a situation that they normally would probably have not learned any place else.”

To launch the program, the museum hopes to raise $50,000. So far, they’ve reached about $10,000.

To learn more about the FASNY Museum of Firefighting, head to their website. To donate to their program, head to their donation page.