There are so many children and adults with disabilities who experience emergencies in ways most people don’t think about. Loud sirens, unfamiliar faces, flashing lights, and chaos can be overwhelming—especially for someone who may be nonverbal or struggles to communicate what they need. I realized that first responders are often doing their best in those moments, but they don’t always have the tools or training to support those individuals well.
That’s where this mission started. Brave Bags began as a way to give first responders simple sensory and communication tools to help calm and support children with disabilities in crisis. But as the vision grew, so did the mission. That’s how The Lionheart Collective was born—to not only provide those tools, but also train first responders and build real relationships with families so that compassion and understanding are present when it matters most.
What started as a heart for those with disabilities and a desire to bridge the gap became Brave Bags—and has now grown into The Lionheart Collective. Inspired by the need for greater understanding in moments of crisis, the mission has expanded beyond sensory support tools to include training for first responders and outreach that builds trust between families and the communities that serve them.
Since the beginning of this mission, we’ve already seen incredible doors open. Brave Bags and training have been implemented with departments in Washington Township, Ohio; Montgomery County, Ohio; and Covington, Kentucky, with many more partnerships currently in progress.
We’ve also been able to build meaningful connections with organizations that share the same heart for supporting individuals with disabilities and strengthening compassionate response in our communities. Our mission has been featured in local news, helping spread awareness about the need for better support during crisis situations.
One of the most meaningful opportunities has been participating in an upcoming 5K that honors the life of Joshua Al-Lateef, a young boy with autism whose story continues to inspire greater awareness and action in the community.
Beyond that, we’ve had the privilege of sharing the vision of Brave Bags and The Lionheart Collective with local churches and schools, helping more people understand the importance of compassion, advocacy, and support for children with disabilities.
We Will Be Featured At This 5K That Honors Joshua Al-Lateef
We Were Featured On 2 News Now on WDTN!!
Local Students Pledge to Be Brave Through Kindness