The Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities will host an in-person training for law enforcement officers and first responders on February 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The training will take place at the TCBDD Board Offices, located at 45 North Road, Niles, Ohio, and will last no longer than two hours.

This training is designed to provide practical, real-world tools to support safer, more effective interactions between first responders and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD).

About the Training

Interacting and De-Escalating Individuals with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities: A Course for First Responders focuses on the specific learning needs of law enforcement officers and other first responders. Participants will receive foundational information on what intellectual and developmental disabilities are, how they occur, and how to recognize individuals with ID/DD, including those on the autism spectrum.

The course emphasizes effective interaction and proven de-escalation techniques that help reduce the risk of injury and improve outcomes for both first responders and the individuals they serve. Through the use of body-camera footage and scenario-based acting videos, attendees will explore real-life situations involving use of force, defensive tactics, and physical de-escalation.

Participants will leave the training with practical strategies they can add to their professional toolbelt to increase officer safety, public safety, and positive community interactions.

About the Presenter

The training will be led by Diane Dudziak, MS, a developmental disabilities and law enforcement specialist with more than 38 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Diane also served as a police officer for six years, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by both first responders and the ID/DD community.

During her time in law enforcement, Diane identified a significant disconnect between first responders and individuals with ID/DD and their families. She also recognized the lack of comprehensive, first-responder-focused training to address the increasing number of encounters and injuries involving this population.

In response, Diane developed this specialized training in 2018, focusing on identifying individuals with ID/DD and using realistic, tactical approaches to de-escalation. While the course is designed for law enforcement and first responders, it is also offered to individuals with ID/DD, their families, caregivers, and support staff to help bridge understanding between communities and improve outcomes for everyone involved.

Registration Information

If you are interested in attending this training, please RSVP no later than February 6, 2026.

For more information or to reserve your spot, contact:

Nicole Divens

Investigative Services Director

Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities

Office: 330-652-1116 ext. 131