A bill that would aid first responders in helping individuals with special needs in emergencies passed the Washington House 96-1.  Goldendale Representative Gina McCabe sponsored the Travis Alert Act.  The bill would establish an enhanced 9-1-1 program for people to optionally submit information pertaining to one’s disability so dispatchers could deliver critical information to first responders during emergencies.  It would also create a training program for first responders instructing them how to best respond to emergencies involving persons with special needs.  The bill would apply to a variety of special needs, including Down Syndrome, autism, Alzheimer’s and diabetes.  House Bill 2287 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.