What does it look like/sound like to offer trauma-responsive and culturally-aware supports to people and families? What does it look like/sound like when we miss the boat on this? Why does it matter?

T. Dean Swartz has worked in the disabilities field since 1985, in both the county and state systems.  He has experience in recreation; residential; educational and vocational/day habilitation settings.  During his time in the field, Dean co-developed the CORE values approach at the Clermont County Board of DD, as well as the SURE crisis de-escalation program.  Dean is an accomplished teacher/trainer on topics such as: ASD, Behavior, Trauma Responsive Care, Person-Centered Planning, Crisis Intervention, the Sanctuary Model, Direct Service Provision, and Disability Awareness.  He is certified as a Service and Support Administrator with DODD and has his Trauma Responsive Care certification through the Tristate Trauma Network. Dean presently works for the Clermont County Board of DD, as a Behavior Support Specialist, as well as a contractor with the Academy for Direct Support Professionals.  He participates in the Sanctuary Model of trauma informed care as a Steering Committee member, Core Team member and trainer/facilitator. Dean has been a participant in the Resilience Project for over five years, representing Clermont County Board of DD on interdisciplinary teams. He has completed a M.Ed. with a focus on Autism Education.