• Search All Courses
  • Your cart is currently empty.
(905) 889-5030 info@safeguards-training.net
SafeGuards Training SafeGuards Training
  • Your cart is currently empty.
  • All Training
    • Training Calendar
    • Online
    • On-site/ In Service
  • Customized Training
  • TCI Training
    • TCI System Overview
    • TCI Training
    • TCI Materials
  • Respite Learning Portal
  • About Us
    • Newsletter
    • Call for Training Proposals
Contact Us
Serving the Mental Health Needs of Persons with a Developmental Disability

Serving the Mental Health Needs of Persons with a Developmental Disability

Individuals with a developmental disability are at higher risk of experiencing mental health problems.  Often their mental health problems go undiagnosed because they are attributed solely to their cognitive impairment or considered “behavioural problems”.  It is crucial for caregivers to understand how mental health problems may present in those with a developmental disability along with evidence-based strategies to effectively support and care for those they support. 

This 12-hour training will present a trauma-Informed and Bio-Psycho-Social approach to care, exploring the topics of developmental disabilities and mental health with a focus on prevention, assessment, and support. 

 

Group registration available. See below for details. 

Share
  • Information
  • Download Course PDF.

Description

Applying a Trauma-Informed and Bio-Psycho-Social approach to care, participants will be introduced to the topic of developmental disabilities and mental health with a focus on Prevention, Assessment and Support. Caregivers and supports will gain a deeper understanding of the effects of mental health concerns as well as how to develop resilience and mental wellness. Participants will be introduced to a variety of assessment and screening tools to assist in understanding challenging situations or behaviours. 

This training will review a variety of effective and evidence-based strategies that aim to prevent challenging situations through a strengths-based approach. Training participants will be introduced to a variety of techniques and strategies that will assist in supporting individuals through challenging and/or crisis situations.  Understanding the impact of challenging situations for the caregiver, this training will also focus on the importance of self-care to effectively support others through the creation of a self-care tool kit. 

Through an interactive approach, participants will work through case studies where they will have an opportunity to apply their learnings.  A variety of resources and tools will be provided to each participant for their future use. Should a participant miss a day of training, a recording will be made available upon request. 

 Learning Outcomes 

  1. Describe developmental disabilities, mental health problems/disorders, dual diagnosis, and their characteristics. 
  2. Examine the Bio-Psycho-Social context and mental health well-being of individuals with a developmental disability. 
  3. Outline and implement a Trauma-Informed Care approach. 
  4. Apply prevention, assessment, and support strategies in supporting an individual with a developmental disability. 
  5. Recognize the importance of self-care for the carer. 

Who Should Attend  

This course is recommended for direct support professionals, caregivers, supports and others that work with people with developmental disabilities. 

Course Dates & Format

November 27 & 28, 2025

9:30 am – 3:30 pm ET

This is a 12-hour training. This course consists of two 6 -hour interactive virtual sessions using Zoom.

Instructor:  Leah Jeffery, MSW, RSW 

Leah Jeffery is a Registered Social Worker with a degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work.  She has spent the last two decades working in the field of mental health and developmental disabilities.  She currently works as a Clinical Manager within the Developmental Sector supporting a team of diverse clinicians who support adults with intellectual disabilities and is a part time professor at Mohawk College in the Continuing Education department where she teaches within the Human Services programs. She has been teaching Mental Health First Aid and training in Trauma and Developmental Disabilities for over 10 years.  She has worked in Canadian Mental Health Association’s crisis programs including COAST, Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team and their residential crisis bed program.  She is currently a member of the CMHA Niagara’s Board of Directors.   Leah’s passion is to equip and develop capacity in the field of developmental disability and mental health with a foundation of Trauma-Informed Care.  

Training Fee 

Member Fee: $325.00 + $42.25 (HST)= $367.25

Non-Member Fee:  $375.00 + $48.75 (HST)= $423.75

Group Registration: Save 20% off regular individual fees with a group registration of 4 or more participants. Download the group registration form HERE.

Continuing Education Information  

12 CECs with OAMHP 

Licensing boards and professional organizations will grant Continuing Education credits for attendance at their discretion when participants submit the course outline and certificate.  

In-Service  

This is available as an in-person or virtual in-service training and customized to suit your needs. 

Categories: Dual Diagnosis, Online, Trauma-Informed Practice Tags: Developmental Disability, Mental Health, Trauma Informed
Training Calendar
35 events found.
  • October 2025

Calendar of Events

S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events, 28
0 events, 29
0 events, 30
1 event, 1
12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
3 of 4: Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
October, 1 @ 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
3 of 4: Introduction to Motivational Interviewing

Many professionals struggle with how to help support clients with making positive and healthy changes in their lives, all the while honouring their autonomy and choice. Motivational […]

1 event, 2
12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
4 of 4: Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
October, 2 @ 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm
4 of 4: Introduction to Motivational Interviewing

Many professionals struggle with how to help support clients with making positive and healthy changes in their lives, all the while honouring their autonomy and choice. Motivational […]

0 events, 3
0 events, 4
0 events, 5
1 event, 6
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Incorporating Truth and Reconciliation in Our Role as Health and Mental Health Practitioners
October, 6 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Incorporating Truth and Reconciliation in Our Role as Health and Mental Health Practitioners

Combining lived experience with emerging research on the Indigenous Social Determinants of Health, this training, “Incorporating Truth and Reconciliation in Our Role as Health and Mental Heath […]

1 event, 7
2025-10-07
Embrace Trauma-Informed Care with Children and Youth
Embrace Trauma-Informed Care with Children and Youth
October, 7 @ 1:00 pm - October, 8 @ 4:00 pm
Embrace Trauma-Informed Care with Children and Youth

Children and youth who receive intensive services such as out-of-home (residential) care or in-home supports may have been exposed to one or more adverse experiences in early […]

1 event, 8
2025-10-07
Embrace Trauma-Informed Care with Children and Youth
0 events, 9
0 events, 10
0 events, 11
0 events, 12
0 events, 13
0 events, 14
0 events, 15
1 event, 16
2025-10-16
Centering Equity in Trauma Treatment: Culturally Responsive Assessment and Intervention Strategies
Centering Equity in Trauma Treatment: Culturally Responsive Assessment and Intervention Strategies
October, 16 @ 1:00 pm - October, 17 @ 4:00 pm
Centering Equity in Trauma Treatment: Culturally Responsive Assessment and Intervention Strategies

This interactive training equips practitioners with practical, evidence-informed tools for conducting trauma assessments and delivering responsive treatment for communities facing barriers due to systemic discrimination. Grounded in […]

1 event, 17
2025-10-16
Centering Equity in Trauma Treatment: Culturally Responsive Assessment and Intervention Strategies
0 events, 18
0 events, 19
1 event, 20
2025-10-20
Trauma-Informed Supervision
Trauma-Informed Supervision
October, 20 @ 1:00 pm - October, 21 @ 4:00 pm
Trauma-Informed Supervision

Advocates of trauma-informed practice have identified that effective trauma-informed teams must be supported by trauma-informed supervisors, organizations, and service systems. This training provides supervisors and managers the opportunity to […]

2 events, 21
2025-10-20
Trauma-Informed Supervision
2025-10-21
Trauma Informed Care: Supporting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
Trauma Informed Care: Supporting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
October, 21 @ 9:30 am - October, 22 @ 3:30 pm
Trauma Informed Care: Supporting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

People with developmental disabilities experience mental health issues as a result of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect in greater numbers than the general public.  Behaviors are often mistaken as non-compliance, […]

1 event, 22
2025-10-21
Trauma Informed Care: Supporting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
2 events, 23
2025-10-23
TCI Update: TCI for Families Ed. 4
TCI Update: TCI for Families Ed. 4
October, 23 @ 8:45 am - October, 24 @ 5:00 pm
TCI Update: TCI for Families Ed. 4

This update is a two-day program for current TCI certified trainers to learn the content and revisions to the Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Families (TCIF) curriculum. TCIF […]

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Self Compassion in the Workplace: Caring for Ourselves while Caring for Others
October, 23 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Self Compassion in the Workplace: Caring for Ourselves while Caring for Others

“Self Compassion in the Workplace: Caring for Ourselves while Caring for Others” is designed specifically to address the emotional challenges faced by so many of those working […]

1 event, 24
2025-10-23
TCI Update: TCI for Families Ed. 4
0 events, 25
0 events, 26
1 event, 27
2025-10-27
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI): Trainer Certificate (7th Edition)
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI): Trainer Certificate (7th Edition)
October, 27 @ 8:45 am - October, 31 @ 5:00 pm
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI): Trainer Certificate (7th Edition)

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) is a systems-based, trauma-informed crisis prevention and intervention model that assists organizations in preventing crises from occurring, de-escalating potential crises, managing acute crisis phases, […]

1 event, 28
2025-10-27
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI): Trainer Certificate (7th Edition)
1 event, 29
2025-10-27
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI): Trainer Certificate (7th Edition)
2 events, 30
2025-10-27
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI): Trainer Certificate (7th Edition)
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Compassionate Leadership: Fostering Self-Care and Well-Being in Staff Teams and Organizations
October, 30 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Compassionate Leadership: Fostering Self-Care and Well-Being in Staff Teams and Organizations

Creating healthy supportive work environments is critical in growing a strong, positive and committed team and reducing personal leaves and turnover. This workshop is designed for leaders […]

1 event, 31
2025-10-27
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI): Trainer Certificate (7th Edition)
0 events, 1
Notice
There are no events on this day.
Notice
There are no events on this day.
Notice
There are no events on this day.
October, 1
October, 1 @ 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm

3 of 4: Introduction to Motivational Interviewing

October, 2
October, 2 @ 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm

4 of 4: Introduction to Motivational Interviewing

October, 6
October, 6 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Incorporating Truth and Reconciliation in Our Role as Health and Mental Health Practitioners

October, 23
October, 23 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Self Compassion in the Workplace: Caring for Ourselves while Caring for Others

October, 30
October, 30 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Compassionate Leadership: Fostering Self-Care and Well-Being in Staff Teams and Organizations

Notice
There are no events on this day.
Notice
There are no events on this day.
Notice
There are no events on this day.
October, 6
October, 6 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Incorporating Truth and Reconciliation in Our Role as Health and Mental Health Practitioners

October, 7
October, 7 @ 1:00 pm - October, 8 @ 4:00 pm

Embrace Trauma-Informed Care with Children and Youth

October, 7
October, 7 @ 1:00 pm - October, 8 @ 4:00 pm

Embrace Trauma-Informed Care with Children and Youth

Notice
There are no events on this day.
Notice
There are no events on this day.
Notice
There are no events on this day.
Notice
There are no events on this day.
Notice
There are no events on this day.
Notice
There are no events on this day.
Notice
There are no events on this day.
October, 16
October, 16 @ 1:00 pm - October, 17 @ 4:00 pm

Centering Equity in Trauma Treatment: Culturally Responsive Assessment and Intervention Strategies

October, 16
October, 16 @ 1:00 pm - October, 17 @ 4:00 pm

Centering Equity in Trauma Treatment: Culturally Responsive Assessment and Intervention Strategies

Notice
There are no events on this day.
Notice
There are no events on this day.
October, 20
October, 20 @ 1:00 pm - October, 21 @ 4:00 pm

Trauma-Informed Supervision

October, 20
October, 20 @ 1:00 pm - October, 21 @ 4:00 pm

Trauma-Informed Supervision

October, 21 @ 9:30 am - October, 22 @ 3:30 pm

Trauma Informed Care: Supporting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

October, 21
October, 21 @ 9:30 am - October, 22 @ 3:30 pm

Trauma Informed Care: Supporting Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

October, 23
October, 23 @ 8:45 am - October, 24 @ 5:00 pm

TCI Update: TCI for Families Ed. 4

October, 23 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Self Compassion in the Workplace: Caring for Ourselves while Caring for Others

October, 23
October, 23 @ 8:45 am - October, 24 @ 5:00 pm

TCI Update: TCI for Families Ed. 4

Notice
There are no events on this day.
Notice
There are no events on this day.
October, 27
October, 27 @ 8:45 am - October, 31 @ 5:00 pm

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI): Trainer Certificate (7th Edition)

October, 27
October, 27 @ 8:45 am - October, 31 @ 5:00 pm

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI): Trainer Certificate (7th Edition)

October, 27
October, 27 @ 8:45 am - October, 31 @ 5:00 pm

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI): Trainer Certificate (7th Edition)

October, 27
October, 27 @ 8:45 am - October, 31 @ 5:00 pm

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI): Trainer Certificate (7th Edition)

October, 30 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Compassionate Leadership: Fostering Self-Care and Well-Being in Staff Teams and Organizations

October, 27
October, 27 @ 8:45 am - October, 31 @ 5:00 pm

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI): Trainer Certificate (7th Edition)

Notice
There are no events on this day.
View Calendar
Search
Categories
  • Assessment & Treatment Planning
  • Delivery Method
    • In Person
    • In Service
    • Online
    • TCI
    • Webinar
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • Health and Well Being
  • Respite Learning Portal
  • Sociocultural Perspectives
  • TCI Materials
  • Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
  • Trauma Assessment & Treatment
  • Trauma Focused Intervention
  • Trauma-Informed Practice
  • Treating Trauma Effects

Related Items

  • Support 2SLGBTQI

    Approaches to Support 2SLGBTQI+ Adolescents and Adults with Suicidal Ideation

    In Service, Online, Sociocultural Perspectives, Trauma Focused Intervention, Trauma-Informed Practice, Treating Trauma Effects
    Learn more
  • Implementing Brief Therapy Modalities

    Implementing Brief Therapy Modalities

    In Service, Trauma-Informed Practice, Trauma Focused Intervention, Online
    Learn more
  • Transmission of Trauma

    Breaking Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma

    In Service, Online, Sociocultural Perspectives, Trauma Focused Intervention, Trauma-Informed Practice
    Learn more
SafeGuards Training

Tailoring professional development to suit your organizational needs.

Follow us!
About
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletter
  • Our Cancellation Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Handling Customer Complaints and Suggestions
Training
  • All Training
  • Customized Training
Search
Additional links
  • Therapeutic crisis intervention TCI Training System Overview
  • The Respite Service Learning Portal
Copyright © 2025 SafeGuards Training. All rights reserved.
  • Privacy Policy