Sensory Implications to Crisis Response
Wyoming Council on Developmental Disabilities Conference | October 2026
Through LEAD Trainers, Yolanda Cruz presented Sensory Implications to Crisis Response at the Wyoming Council on Developmental Disabilities Conference. Approximately 30 participants attended, including self-advocates, family members, disability professionals, and community partners.
The presentation explored how differences in processing sound, light, touch, movement, body awareness, and other sensory input can affect a person’s response during stressful or crisis situations. Participants learned practical ways to recognize sensory overload, reduce environmental demands, support regulation, and distinguish dysregulation from intentional noncompliance.
The discussion demonstrated the importance of bringing sensory-informed practices beyond disability services and into law enforcement and crisis-response systems. One family member shared that she was grateful to have learned something new about the sensory system. Another participant asked how community members could meaningfully engage law enforcement and help officers better understand sensory needs.
These questions created an opportunity to discuss collaboration among people with disabilities, families, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations. The session reinforced LEAD Trainers’ commitment to helping crisis responders understand the whole person—not simply the behavior observed during a crisis.
Reach: Approximately 30 participants
Topics: Sensory processing, intellectual and developmental disabilities, crisis response, de-escalation, family engagement, and law enforcement education