Sounds of Autism honors Goodyear as first 'Unified Responder' city in West Valley

Sounds of Autism presented the City of Goodyear with a "Unified Responder Community" certificate during the Feb. 10 City Council meeting, recognizing the city and its partners for completing the first phase of the nonprofit's unified responder movement.

The nonprofit's executive director, Jamie Aldauman, told the council the group had tracked the city's efforts over the past year and determined Goodyear had "checked all the boxes" on autism awareness work across departments and community partners. "It is now in your DNA. It is now in the fabric of your community and your leadership, Mayor," Aldauman said.

The certificate, read aloud at the podium, named the mayor, city council members and leaders across police, fire, recreation, schools and nonprofits as partners in the effort. Aldauman thanked the city and asked the council to join Sounds of Autism at the podium to accept the recognition.

Cricket Barrientos, identified in the presentation as the nonprofit's founder and visionary, and several community partners stood with Aldauman; organizations listed in the presentation included West Valley Mavericks, Kiwanis, Awa Frias School District, the Goodyear Police Department, Goodyear Fire Department, Goodyear Parks and Recreation and the West Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor and council members briefly acknowledged the award. The presentation did not include a council motion or official action; it was a ceremonial recognition and informational item on the agenda.

Sounds of Autism's certificate and comments emphasized coordination among departments and nonprofits to better serve individuals living with autism in Goodyear and the surrounding West Valley communities.