Breaking Barriers: Disabilities Awareness for First Responders

Class Information: 

Our national Breaking Barriers program provides comprehensive training to first responders, on how to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities while training them on how they can better understand and recognize the reactions and perceptions that they might encounter during an emergency situation, and how to break down potential barriers of service.  The course covers understanding and awareness, communication, misconceptions, and stress points and actions of the individual with a disability, allowing for a better understanding of how to work with these behaviors, and what they mean.  

Instructor Information: 

Todd Edwards has over 36 years of experience in the fire services. Starting his career at 16 years old with a small combination department in Ohio, Todd then moved to Georgia where he spent more than 30 years with Atlanta Fire Rescue.  During his career with Atlanta, he held a variety of positions including Captain, Battalion Chief and Assistant…