Sidran Speakers can address the subject of vulnerable populations—people suffering from trauma-related problems who are aging (at home or in institutions); people who are homeless; people who are living with disabilities; people living with HIS/AIDS. See a sampling below. Presentations can be tailored to your specific needs. Contact us to let us know what your interests are!

• Trauma among the Elderly
  As survivors of child trauma age, they become triply vulnerably: first, the process of becoming more dependent on others recreates the vulnerability experienced in childhood; second, because unresolved issues from childhood generally still operate in their lives; and third, because living/working in congregate care has inherent stressors. This program helps participants explore how aging, especially in residential care settings, presents unique risks and vulnerabilities and how to provide support to nursing home and assisted living residents.


• Trauma and HIV
  The connections between HIV infection and traumatization are well documented. The risk factors overlap so profoundly that addressing both HIV prevention and the impact of HIV infection must involve an understanding and ability to address the effects of traumatic stress and traumatizing environments. Sidran Speakers will help you to make the connections necessary to address both issues and support those you serve in their efforts to live healthy, fulfilling lives.


• Trauma among People with Disabilities
  People with disabilites are not immune to traumatic experiences, but systems of care in place do not always address their needs. Psychoeducation, coping skills, and problem solving skills can all be taught to people with cognitive challenges, if they are put into simple language. There are not as many differences as one might expect between working with survivors of more typical intellectual ability and those with intellectual disabilities. Adults with cognitive disabilities are, first and foremost, adult human beings. Like any adult, the capacities of each person with cognitive disabilities have been shaped by his or her genetic endowment, external biological factors (head trauma, prenatal infection, seizures), external social/psychological factors other than abuse and trauma (individual experience, institutionalization, a loving family, early intervention, stigma, poverty, good schools or poor ones, isolation) as well as the impact of the traumatic events. At the same time, people diagnosed with intellectual disabilities have a lifetime of experience in living and managing life as a person with cognitive disabilities. Listening to each individual can reveal how the world looks to him or her.


• Self-determination for People with Disabilities
  When persons who experience trauma deal with the impairments in their lives, or when they are identified as “disabled,” they become part of the PWD (People with Disability) subculture. As with any subculture, the choice is there to adopt healthy or unhealthy attributes. This program helps participants consider the elements of any subculture and specific characteristics of the PWD subculture and provides guidance to help participants and their clients explore the issues and questions.


• Journalists, Broadcasters, and Other “Bystanders”
  Newscasters, journalists, camera operators, and emergency aid workers (to name just a few of the groups who are exposed to trauma through their work) all risk over-exposure to trauma. Sometimes it is hard to move on from things observed and reported on. Sometimes the cumulative effect of exposure takes a toll in burnout and PTSD. Learn about ways to recognize and combat the stress associated with being witness to trauma.