Conference Information: Trauma Informed Care

For those interested, Vita Community Living Services is hosting an exciting and powerful conference on Trauma Informed Care.

March 24th 9:00 to 3:30

Cost: 50.00$

Trauma and People with Intellectual Disabilities: Support Strategies for Healing and Recovery through Trauma-Informed Care

Traumatic events can happen to anyone; they are part of the human experience. Sometimes the impact of these events does not diminish over time but can result in long-lasting trauma. Some survivors may develop harmful or negative behaviours in an effort to cope with the emotional and psychological impact of their experiences. Research shows that people with intellectual disabilities are at higher risk of abuse than the general population and have often experienced events that can result in lasting trauma through frequent and/or unexplained moves, extended hospitalizations, invasive medical procedures, bullying, institutionalization, separation from primary relationships, physical restraint or punishment at various times in their lives.

When supporting someone who has experienced trauma it is important to understand the impact trauma can have on a person and their behaviour, and to provide supports that promote healing without unknowingly triggering further trauma responses. Incorporating a trauma-informed approach into services that support people with intellectual disabilities is essential to promote healing and recovery for the people we support.

Participants will develop an understanding of trauma, the impact trauma can have on individuals with intellectual disabilities, and the principles of trauma informed care. Concepts of assessment, support and treatment will be explored through lecture, video, group discussion and activities and will be further illustrated by the story of one woman’s journey through developmental and trauma services. Specific tools and support strategies will be reviewed and participants will have the opportunity to try out several of the tools/strategies while relating those to specific individuals they support.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training participants will have the knowledge and tools to be able to:

Understand the prevalence and impact of trauma in the lives of people with an intellectual disability

Apply a trauma lens to their understanding of, and response to, challenging behaviours

Incorporate a trauma informed care approach in their daily work with people who have been impacted by trauma.

Effectively use a number of strategies to support people with intellectual disabilities in their journey of healing and recovery

Presented by

Melissa Otter is a Self Advocate and Trauma Training Facilitator who has presented at numerous conferences and workshops for staff and self advocates across Ontario. She is a member of the Trauma and Developmental Disabilities Committee of Central West Region and is a co-facilitator of the peer support group The Wonder of Me. Melissa is passionate about sharing her experiences to help others in their own journey of healing.

Cathy Kuehni is an Intensive Behavioural Consultant for Family Counselling and Support Services in Guelph. Among many things, Cathy’s role includes, walking alongside families and individuals with developmental disabilities who are in crisis, developing and practicing coping strategies with all involved; transitional support; and trauma training.

Donna Lee is a Behaviour Therapist with over 20 years experience working in the fields of developmental services and mental health. Donna has a Master of Arts in Critical Disability Studies and teaches online with Ryerson University’s Disability Studies program. She currently works at Dartmouth Adult Services Centre, as the Client Support Specialist providing behavioural support and staff training.

For the complete conference description, learning objectives and registration information please contact Rose Castronovo at rcastronovo@vitacls.org