Advancing Trauma-Informed Care System-Change in Disability Organizations: A National Learning Collaborative

Abstract

Organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are increasingly becoming aware of the impact of trauma, yet have often fallen short in their efforts to respond through trauma-informed care (TIC). This study describes and evaluates the first-of-its-kind learning collaborative (LC) to advance system-wide TIC among four IDD organizations, occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic. A multi-method approach, including a pre- and post-survey for staff, process notes, and a liaison survey, was used to monitor and assess organizational change and experience with the LC. Quantitative analyses demonstrated mixed results associated with staff-level change. The process notes revealed the complexity of organizational change and a positive learning experience that was further supported by the liaison survey. Limitations, implications, and future directions are discussed.