Building Community between Law Enforcement and People With Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

Across news media are stories of police departments mishandling interactions with people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). Learn how one City, in conjunction with community partners, was able to develop viable training tools, policies, and ultimately relationships over the course of two years. This webinar will present a case study of how the City of Fresno built a partnership between the police department and the community of people with I/DD. 

The Presenters:
Doug Middleton, CEO of Vocations Plus Connection, Inc. (VPCI) holds a Master's degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Having studied and worked with people with disabilities since his youth, Doug has a passion for working alongside and seeing his peers succeed, recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities they face. VPCI is a community-based day program in the Central Valley serving approximately 200 adults living with developmental disabilities. It is the goal of VPCI that program participants be incorporated in society in ways that are meaningful and inclusive; empowering persons served to be able to live, work and play in their community. VPCI recognizes that fulfillment in the lives of those served is best achieved by offering individualized supports across all areas of life with emphasis on independence, socialization and work. VPCI is attentive to the needs of community members living with a disability, remaining progressive in an ever-changing environment that provides both opportunities and challenges.

Shannon M. Mulhall, NIC, ADAC, CASp, is the Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator for the City of Fresno, CA. Mulhall approaches all aspects of accessibility with an encouraging educational focus and an emphasis on the positive role everyone can play in providing equal opportunities to all members of the public. She is keenly interested in exploring ways to expand community outreach, website/technology accessibility, whole community preparedness, and effective communication. Mulhall actively serves the community in a variety of ways, including participation on the Health Net State-Wide Public Policy Committee, State Center Community College District Disabled Students Services Advisory Council, Fresno County Voter Accessibility Advisory Committee, Citizen Corps Council, CERT Trainer, Special Programs Chair for Certified Access Specialist Institute, and Chair of the Earthquake Country Alliance Seniors & People with Disabilities Committee.
 
The Webinar:

• This webinar will be presented via the Blackboard Collaborate Web Conferencing platform.
• A telephone conference option will also be available if you choose not to use the webinar platform.
• Information on accessing the webinar platform and the telephone conference number will be provided prior to the session. 

Continuing Education Recognition Available:

• Certificate of Participation - If you would like a certificate of participation, there is a $10 fee per participant.