Thursday, October 20 – 11:30 AM to 1 PM

Neighborhood Connections is pleased to announce an important event in our Soup and Sandwich Series.  Dr. Kendra LaRoche, Executive Director of the Special Needs Support Center (SNSC) will be the guest speaker.  She is the creator of the Disability Awareness and De-escalation Training program.  She is offering Continuing Education Credit for all attendees who may benefit from it.  We welcome all emergency Responders, but ALL ARE WELCOME.

Emergency responders are often the first to assist individuals with disabilities in times of stress or crisis. The Disability Awareness and De-escalation Training helps police, fire, and EMT personnel build awareness, empathy, and skills needed to respond safely and effectively. The program will also be very helpful for private citizens who are working with emotionally challenged individuals.

The course links evidence-based de-escalation strategies with an understanding of how the brain processes emotion and stress. Through interactive instruction and real-world scenarios, participants learn techniques for emotional regulation, validation, and active listening, while gaining practical insight into mental health, intellectual, developmental, and learning disabilities. The training also introduces SNIP communication tools that support clear, respectful, and person-centered interactions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Identify visible and invisible disabilities and understand how they affect behavior and communication.
• Apply de-escalation strategies using validation, empathy, and active listening.
• Recognize the neurological connection between emotion, stress, and behavior.
• Use communication boards and SNIP identification tools to improve safety and understanding during emergency encounters.
• Reflect on past experiences to strengthen professional judgment in future situations.

For more information or to RSVP, please call Neighborhood Connections at 802-824-4343 to reserve a spot.  We will be offering lunch and need a headcount.

For questions about the program, contact:  Suzanne Burge, (802) 824-4343, Suzanne@NCVermont.org