Resources for Everyone
What is Down Syndrome?
Click the link above to learn about what Down syndrome is, what causes it, how it's diagnosed, and what language is best to use when talking about individuals with Down syndrome. People with Down Syndrome Share Their Story Click the link above to meet individuals with Down syndrome from around the world. Down Syndrome Misconceptions vs. Reality There are a lot of misconceptions about Down syndrome. Click the link above to read a few cited by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. |
Disability Sensitivity Training Video
by the District of Colombia Office of Disability Rights |
Training for First Responders
The Emily Talk (featured in the film)
Description: The Emily Talk is a presentation by veteran first responder, Tom Felter, and his daughter, Emily Felter, who has Down syndrome. Their goal is to teach first responders and the wider community about how to interact with individuals with Down syndrome, autism, and other disabilities. Website: www.theemilytalk.com Contact Info/Request Training: TheEmilyTalk@gmail.com |
Ethan Saylor Alliance
Description: The Ethan Saylor Alliance was passed in April of 2015 and was aimed at providing increased training for members of law enforcement and other public service entities on specific needs of those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The premise of the alliance is that self-advocates take the central role in educating and informing the community in regard to the specific needs of those with disabilities. The Maryland Department of Disabilities was tasked with forming an alliance of self-advocates, family members, disability related professionals, educators and members of law enforcement. The alliance will form the framework needed to support and facilitate self-advocates as educators for law enforcement and other public service entities. Website: https://mdod.maryland.gov/about/Pages/Saylor-Alliance.aspx#:~:text=The%20Ethan%20Saylor%20Alliance%20was,with%20developmental%20and%20intellectual%20disabilities. Contact Info/Request Training: jennifer.eastman@maryland.gov |
Steve Slack
Description: Steve Slack expertly trains law enforcement and other first professionals about intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as co-existing conditions. He teaches about behaviors that might catch first responders off guard, such as stimming, difficulty processing, speech impairments, and more. He offers up practical lessons in communication, patience, sensory interventions, and other ways to treat people with disabilities with dignity and respect. Steve has first-hand experience with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His son, Samual, has autism, and his daughter, Sophie, has Down syndrome. Steve is also a National Down Syndrome Society advocate, and champions self-advocacy among the disability community. Steve has trained organizations like the Kentucky State Police, West Virginia State Police, and the FBI. Reach out today to schedule training with your first responder group. Contact Info/Request Training: stevenbslack@icloud.com |
Niagara University First Responders Disability Awareness Training
Description: The nation's premier training program and resource for first responders. Website: https://frdat.niagara.edu/ Request Training: https://frdat.niagara.edu/contact/request-training/ |
Disability Awareness Training by David Whalen
Description: Most people want to show respect and sensitivity to people with disabilities. But they simply don’t know how, and with good reason: amid dozens of disabilities and millions who have them, there is so much to know that it overwhelms most people. That’s where David Whalen comes in. An engaging speaker with nearly 20 years in the field of disabilities, he strips down the complex issues to their understandable essence — and clearly communicates the steps anyone can take to respond properly to people with disabilities. Moreover, because every organization is different, every seminar is different. Whalen customizes his presentations to the specific issues, sensitivities, and level of awareness within each organization. As a result, you get precisely the seminar your organization needs. Your people get an up close look at the lives of people with disabilities — and a wealth of tips for treating them with respect. Your organization becomes more welcoming — and better able to attract a greater diversity of experience and talent. Website: www.disabilityawarenesstraining.com Contact Info/Request Training: david@disabilityawarenesstraining.com |