Calling all Emergency Responders! Disability Awareness and De-escalation Training Overview at Neighborhood Connections

Friday, November 14 – 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. 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 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.