CINCINNATI — Following the drowning loss of life of a 6-year-old West Chester boy in November, a Cincinnati nonprofit is demanding that lawmakers go laws that might result in higher safety round neighborhood ponds and lakes.
In November, Joshua Al-Lateef Jr. was discovered lifeless after drowning in a pond close to his dwelling. Joshua had wandered away from his dwelling the day earlier than, which led to an enormous search and a outcome that most individuals feared.
“I’d love to stop this from occurring to some other household,” Leslie Williams, president of Empath for Autism, stated.
Williams is aware of all too effectively concerning the risks for teenagers with autism. She has a son with autism, which is a part of why she began her nonprofit that works to supply assets for households with kids with autism.
“We do all the things we are able to with the intention to maintain our children protected, and generally all the things we just do is not sufficient,” Williams stated.
Hear how Williams is hoping to get lawmakers to enhance safety for teenagers with autism round our bodies of water:
Cincinnati nonprofit requires laws to guard kids with autism close to water
WCPO 9 spoke to Williams in November following Joshua’s loss of life. On the time, her nonprofit helped present free air-tags or “tile” bracelets to folks with kids with autism.
In accordance with the American Purple Cross, drowning is the main reason for loss of life for teenagers and adults with autism. Now, Williams is looking on lawmakers to step in.
“We’re engaged on proposing a invoice that might make it a requirement to place fencing round retention ponds which are simply accessible for kids,” Williams stated.
Williams stated the invoice would primarily give attention to our bodies of water close to colleges and the place youngsters with autism stay.
Williams despatched a letter on Friday to Senator Bernie Moreno, calling on him to champion the initiative. You’ll be able to learn the letter under.
Williams stated she hopes this may be the beginning of stopping future tragedies.
“I feel that that is completely what must be executed,” Williams stated.