The Midland County Horseshoe Arena hosted a training event on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) on November 14 and 15. The event was organized by United Way of Midland and Senior Life Midland, in partnership with the Midland County Sheriff’s Office.
The two-day program equipped first-responders, community leaders, and other professionals with tools to engage individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, according to Hunter Haynie with United Way of Midland.
The training sessions were led by Steve Slack, a DS Ambassador with the National Down Syndrome Society. Slack provided insights and strategies through scenarios and discussions on effective engagement methods.
The Friendship House greeted visitors and distributed informational flyers. Diamondback Energy’s Rolling Barista program provided coffee, and Market Street contributed breakfast and lunch, according to Kathleen Kirwan-Haynie, a local advocate with Senior Life Midland.
Midland’s first responders, including the Midland Fire Department and the Midland County Sheriff’s Office, participated in the training. Their involvement focused on improving interactions with individuals with disabilities.
Encore Academy, a life skills program, served breakfast and engaged with first responders. The academy demonstrated communication and social skills in action, according to Hunter Haynie.
Attendees also heard personal stories from community members:
Saul Herrera, who has lived with Cerebral Palsy since birth, shared his professional experiences while using a wheelchair. Kathleen Kirwan-Haynie discussed her late brother, Daniel, who had Down Syndrome and she helped influence changes in Texas laws.
In addition, Reagan Hignojos shared his experiences raising a son with disabilities, and Hunter Haynie reflected on the influence of his uncle who had Down Syndrome.
The event was supported by community leaders and advocates, including Kari Hennagin, Dr. Michelle Evans, Sarina Banuelos, Mike Mills, and Stephanie Griffin, who emphasized the importance of inclusive and supportive environments for individuals with disabilities.
Horseshoe Arena IDD Training Event speaker Steve Slack and Friendship House - Kathleen Kirwan-Haynie
Encore Academy participant serving breakfast and Diamondback Energy's Rolling Barista program participant - Kathleen Kirwan-Haynie