WESTWOOD, Mass. (August 1, 2025) – Lifeworks, a nonprofit human services organization supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, announces the appointment of Ryan Roettger as Director of the Autism and Law Enforcement Education Coalition (ALEC) beginning July 1st.  Roettger succeeds Bill Cannata, who is recently retired after more than two decades of visionary leadership, having launched ALEC in 2003. 

ALEC was established to foster a deeper understanding of autism and other developmental disabilities among public safety professionals. The program delivers specialized training for police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and emergency room personnel—equipping first responders with practical tools to assess risk and effectively engage with individuals on the autism spectrum. To date, more than 57,000 first responders across the United States have completed ALEC training. The ALEC program is operated and supported by Lifeworks, and receives additional grants to support training programs, including an annual grant from Bailey’s Team for Autism. 

Bill Cannata, retired captain from the Westwood, MA Fire Department and ALEC’s founding Project Director, expanded the program from a local initiative in Massachusetts into a nationally respected model. He assembled a team of consultants, many of whom are both public safety professionals and parents/family members of individuals with autism, who bring both personal insight and professional expertise to every training. 

Bill Cannata

“We had a vision for how to better connect with first responders. What parents really wanted was to help them understand what life is like for someone with autism,” said Bill.

“ALEC started with a training brought up from Florida, where 75 attendees came together to learn. From there, we formed a group with the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, parents, and local first responders. That’s how Lifework’s ALEC was born. I never imagined it would grow into a program that has now held training in 45 states. I’m thrilled with what we’ve built and how it’s developed, not only in Massachusetts but across the country. Ryan has been part of ALEC since 2013, and his passion for the program is clear. He’s the best fit to lead ALEC into its next chapter.” 

Ryan Roettger has served as an ALEC Training Coordinator in Connecticut since 2013. A veteran of law enforcement, he currently serves as a Uniformed Patrol Sergeant with the Southbridge Police Department, where he has worked since 1996, including time as a Detective Sergeant. He also acts as the ADA Coordinator for the Town of Southbridge. 

Roettger holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in criminal justice from Westfield State University. Like all ALEC trainers, he is also a parent of a child with autism, bringing empathy, lived experience, and deep commitment to his role. 

Ryan Roettger

“It’s an incredible honor to step into this role and continue the work that Bill started more than 20 years ago,” said Ryan. “As both a law enforcement officer and a parent of a child with autism, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful and necessary ALEC’s training can be. My goal is to build on that strong foundation and ensure first responders across the country are equipped with the tools and understanding they need to serve every member of their community with compassion and confidence.” 

Lifeworks President & CEO Daniel Burke praised Roettger’s appointment, emphasizing the importance of continuity and expertise. “As we continue to expand training nationwide, we are fortunate to have someone like Ryan, whose experience, leadership, and personal connection to autism make him uniquely qualified to lead the way,” said Burke. 

As ALEC begins a new chapter, Lifeworks remains committed to expanding access to autism training for first responders and raising public awareness of how preparation and understanding can lead to safer, more inclusive communities. 

About Lifeworks 

Since 1954, Lifeworks and its predecessors, Lifeworks Inc. and The Arc of South Norfolk, have served the towns of Norfolk County and beyond by providing support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy, empowerment and opportunity.  The Westwood-based nonprofit organization serves more than 2,300 individuals from communities in the Greater Boston, MetroWest, Norfolk County and Attleboro areas through a wide variety of services and programs, including: employment services; residential, family and community supports; and day programs.  For more information, visit www.lifeworksarc.org.