At STARability Foundation, we’re a family bound together by having someone very special to us with a developmental or intellectual disability. Families started the organization more than 30 years ago to support one another and create opportunities for their loved ones. Continuing that tradition, we offer semiannual Family Forums, featuring engaging presentations, open discussion, networking, and valuable takeaways.

You're invited to join us for our next Family Forum on the Collier County Sheriff's Office's (CCSO) Autism Support Project led by CCSO Sgt. Dan McDonald and Greater Naples Fire Department Assistant Chief Andy Krajewski.

In November 2021, the CCSO initiated the Autism Support Project led by Sgt. Dan McDonald in an effort to provide an educational resource for students, families and adults in our community. This Family Forum will touch on what the Autism Support Project is and its goals as the program expands. CCSO is actively training local first responders while educating our community partners in the best practices to recognize and interact with individuals with autism in Collier County.

We will also hear from Assistant Chief Andy Krajewski, who will be discussing the fire department’s efforts to support those affected by autism and other disabilities. You'll learn about the Greater Naples Fire Department’s autism-based training, fire safety recommendations as it relates to those with autism, and what occurs when the fire department is dispatched to a residence, a motor vehicle accident or a fire scene.

STARability Foundation is honored to partner with CCSO and Greater Naples Fire Department to raise awareness about this community project. Please join us!

Guest Speakers

👮 Sgt. Dan McDonald
CCSO

Collier County Sheriff's Office Sgt. McDonald

Sgt. McDonald joined the Collier County Sheriff’s Office in 1994 and is currently assigned to the Juvenile at Risk (JAR) Program. In addition to his assigned duties, Sgt. McDonald facilitates the Autism Support Project and has taught on the subject since 2008. He has also taken part in writing autism-based training programs for the state of Florida.

Sgt. McDonald was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon graduation from High School, he attended Bluffton College (1985-1988). He joined the Hamilton County (Ohio) Sheriff’s Office in 1989 where he served in the Corrections Division. Sgt. McDonald moved to Florida in 1990 and worked for the Naples Police Department from 1990-1994, prior to joining the CCSO on September 6, 1994. He currently holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Executive Management (2000) and a dual MBA in Marketing & International Business (2002) from Hodges University. In 2017, Sgt. McDonald attended the FDLE Leadership Academy where he was elected Class President by his peers.

Sgt. McDonald is married and has three children including a 19-year old son with autism. Outside of work, Sgt. McDonald enjoys spending time with his family & friends, as well as golfing and fishing.

🚒 Asst. Chief Andy Krajewski
Greater Naples Fire Department

Assistant Chief Krajewski joined the Fire Service in 1998 and was hired by the Greater Naples Fire District (then the Golden Gate Fire District) in October 1999. He is currently the Chief of Training, Safety, and Special Operations. Chief Krajewski was born in Riverhead, New York and moved to Florida in 1992. Since joining the Fire Service Chief Krajewski has been promoted through the ranks from Firefighter, Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, Battalion Chief to his current rank of Assistant Chief. He is a certified Fire Instructor, Live Fire Instructor, and Safety Officer. He is a member, and former Team Coordinator, of the Greater Naples Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team, which is a State deployable asset to anywhere within Florida. In his current position, Chief Krajewski is responsible for the development and oversight of training programs for over 200 employees of the Greater Naples Fire District. He also has a strong background in recognition and interaction with those with autism.

Chief Krajewski is married and has two grown children. Outside of work Chief Krajewski enjoys spending time with his family, spending time outdoors, and constantly redesigning his future retirement home.

Each forum features a topic of interest involving different areas of community resources, information and opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, we’ll explore resources, issues and pathways to enhance the quality of life for these individuals and their families.

The deadline to register for this free event is Friday, Sept. 16 at noon.

Family Forum (Sept. 2022)

By STARability Foundation

Family Forum (Sept. 2022)

Hosted by STARability Foundation | In-person & online