SPENCER COUNTY, Ind. (WEHT) -- Spencer County first responders and emergency officials are raising awareness about an initiative they say will save lives.

It's called the "Special Needs Registry." Emergency officials say it began several years ago and was created to support children and adults with disabilities who tend to wander off.

"That information gathering takes a long time, in critical hours," says Amanda Epley, the 911 director.

Epley says expanding the program has been on her mind for years. Being the mother of an autistic son, she says the program is crucial in keeping kids and adults who may wander off safe. Instead of gathering information as it happens, first responders can have it at their fingertips.

"The officers can see it before they respond. The fire department and E

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