SALINA, Kan. (AP) — Salina-area law enforcement recently underwent special training to help them interact with people with disabilities.

The training was prompted by tragic encounters between law enforcement and people with mental and physical disabilities in Kansas and across the nation.

Officials say the goal is to prepare emergency responders to recognize characteristics of people with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities and learn effective ways to interact with them.

Sheila Mortimer is special education coordinator for Central Kansas Cooperative in Education. She said that during the four training sessions, they discussed several experiences with Salina and Saline County law enforcement officers.