First Responders Disability Awareness Training

Law Enforcement - April 9th 12:00pm-3:00pm EST

911 Telecommunicators - April 18th 12:00pm-3:00pm EST (PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE FROM APRIL 11th)

Niagara University First Responders Disability Awareness Training

This training, presented by Niagara University DAT, will cover the NYS recognized DAT with an emphasis on autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Niagara University specializes in training law enforcement, emergency responders, human service providers, public, private, and school transportation, corporations and businesses, places of worship, and educators. The training is designed to both sensitize and educate the audience on all aspects of disabilities including, but not limited to, definitions of disabilities, etiquette and interaction skills, stigma and misperceptions, proactive approaches to community inclusion and integration, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and overcoming barriers through advocacy. Specific topic areas include emotional disturbance/mental health awareness and responsiveness, developmental disabilities, co-morbidities and dual diagnosis, and pertinent legislation.

Special Guest Speaker Steven Siena, J.D.

Additionally, Steven Siena, J.D. will share his unique perspective as a law enforcement officer for 35 years and a parent of a child with autism. Steve Siena is educated as an attorney and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1984.  He began his career as an Assistant District Attorney, but later joined the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, and over the next twenty-five years advanced through the ranks until his retirement at the rank of Patrol Captain.  His education and experience made him a valuable member of the Rochester Institute of Technology's Department of Criminal Justice, where he served as an Adjunct Professor.  He then moved to Long Island and joined the SUNY Old Westbury University Police Department in 2013 as the Deputy Chief, and retired last year as the Chief of Police.  During his tenure he completed the process of revising the department's policies and procedures, and served as the President of the New York State University Police Chiefs' Association.  He and his wife now reside in the Raleigh area of North Carolina, where he is an advocate on issues related to autism and intellectual disabilities.