Disability awareness and de-escalation training at Neighborhood Connections

Dr. Kendra LaRoche, executive director of the Special Needs Support Center,  will be guest speaker at the Oct. 20 Soup and Sandwich Series held by Neighborhood Connections.

LaRoche is the creator of the Disability Awareness and De-escalation Training program, and is offering Continuing Education Credit for all attendees who may benefit from it.

The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Neighborhood Connections, 5700 Vermont Rte 100 Suite 1500 in Londonderry.

All emergency responders and anyone else who is interested are welcomed to attend.

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.

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.

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 Special Needs Inclusion Program communication tools that support clear, respectful and person-centered interactions.

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.