Disability advocates commend Ada County paramedics for accessible "Stop the Bleed" training

Representatives from the Living Independence Network Corporation (LINK) and the Idaho State Independent Living Council delivered a joint commendation to the Ada County Board of Commissioners on June 9 praising Ada County Paramedics' efforts to make "Stop the Bleed" training accessible to people with disabilities.

The letter—signed by Jeremy Maxon and Mel Levitton and read into the record—described a year-long partnership in which paramedics piloted adjustments to training delivery, such as allowing additional time for learning, reading slide content for participants with low vision or blindness, timing equipment introductions so participants could physically explore items (for example, tourniquets), and developing an accommodation request process. The letter asked the board to "recognize and commend" the paramedics for expanding access and strengthening community resilience.

Nonprofit representatives and paramedics noted that many participants with disabilities want to be responders, not passive recipients of care, and that adapting training improves community preparedness. The board accepted the commendation on the record and invited participants to be recognized with a photo.

Quotes read during the presentation and remarks from nonprofit partners emphasized co-design and follow-up trainings: "Ada County Paramedics have incorporated meaningful changes such as allowing additional time for learning," the letter stated. LINK and the state council said they hope Ada County Paramedics will continue to develop accessible offerings and that the work improves emergency preparedness for people with disabilities.

Next steps: paramedics and partner organizations expressed interest in continuing training collaboration; no formal policy action was recorded during the meeting.