Disability Awareness Training (DAT) is nationally recognized as the nation’s leader in First Responder Disability Awareness Training. It is widely recognized that everyone needs disability awareness training, and this could not be more prolific than in first response where confusion and uncertainty cannot exist. DAT takes this seriously, knowing that professionals require and desire discipline-specific curriculum. DAT has tailored presentations for 911 telecommunicators, law enforcement, and firefighters and EMS personnel.
Our programs address the most prominent disabilities, customized for each discipline, and brings together education on disabilities while enhancing sensitivity. The presentations include definitions, etiquette and interaction skills, the disabled perspective, challenging behaviors, and current trends and topics, all relevant to first responders. DAT has created these programs with direct input from first responders and the state offices and associations that represent them, and all disability content is created with persons with disabilities who are subject matter experts in the field.
TRAINING OPTIONS (available virtually or in-person): full day in-service, half day in-service, two day Train-the-Trainer.
911 Telecommunicators
Firefighters/EMS
Law Enforcement
Police Officer
Probation Officer
This is the nation’s only comprehensive disability awareness training for Probation Officers. Developed with input from Niagara and Erie County (NY) Probation Officers, New York State Office of Probation & Correction Alternatives (OCPA), and the NYS Probation Officers Association, this training both sensitizes and educates Probation Officers on how to effectively identify, address, and respond to various disabilities they will encounter in their line of duty.
Content includes, but is not limited to, disabilities defined specific to Community Supervision, community resources, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Special Education, Employing people with disabilities, Victimization/Abuse, Etiquette/Interaction skills, Communication Barriers, and person/identity first language.
Attorneys & Judges
Emergency Management
EM DAT is a nationally recognized program that has contracted with six states. The program addresses planning, preparedness, response and recovery as it pertains to individuals with disabilities and access and functional needs.
Content addresses the following, and then some:
- Disability Awareness specific to Emergency Management
- Access and Functional Needs defined to include Universal Accessibility
- Understanding how the whole community concept is imperative to proper response to individuals with disabilities and how to involve them.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act relative to Emergency Management and Response.
- Community resources and other materials that assist Emergency Management in proper response
- Disaster Preparedness and Planning
- Inclusive Planning and Active Participation
- NYC Lawsuit and its ramifications nationwide
Any and all resources, materials, and tools required for the training will be provided by DAT.