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in-person Courses
Spectrum Training Solutions provides in-person training at your organization based on your schedule. Through the in-person setting with a maximum of 20 participants per class, sensitive topics are more easily discussed and hands-on activities are more effective.
Behavior-Based Tactics: Rethinking Compliance & Control on Special Needs Calls
Funded by: MCOLES, MiSNAP, SMOKE, OPOTC, CLEE
This course discusses a wide variety of types of special needs, statistics, and behavioral traits. Sessions are customized to accommodate the department's schedule and needs in a 4-hour, in-person class. Maximum 20 personnel per class.
​Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Recognize behavioral cues that require tactical adjustments;
- Adjusting approach, stance, and positioning based on sensory/cognitive needs;
- Execute modified control tactics to reduce risk and use of force;
- Apply verbal/non-verbal de-escalation strategies specific to population;
- Demonstrate use of alternative compliance prompts;
- Integrate evidence-based tools into field response protocols
Calming the chaos: interpersonal communication for first responders
302 Funded | MiSNAP: STS2024-4981 | Q Course: Q61I
This course helps equip attendees understand their own communication style, learn learn de-escalation strategies, and discuss inter/intrapersonal conflict, active listening, and how to overcome communication barriers.​ (2 Hours)
​Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Definitions, statistics, and myths
- Inter/Intrapersonal communication and how they work together
- Self-assessments for increased personal awareness
- Considerations for special populations
- Overcoming barriers to communication
- Active listening and empathetic responses
- Modifying communication strategies based on the person and the environment
Cultural Competence: Enhancing community Trust and Engagement
302 Funded | MiSNAP: STS2024-5030 | Q Course: Q75G
This course teaches participants how to identify their own biases and engage with community members they are less familiar and prepares them to build positive relationships, ultimately promoting more inclusive, safe, and cohesive community.
(2 Hours)
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​Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Acronyms, definitions and statistics
- Values, challenges, and goals of different communities
- Tips for success and what to avoid
- Self-assessments and anonymous class surveys
- LGBTQIA+ community
- Special needs community
- Gen Z
Understanding Mental Health Disorders and How to Communicate Effectively
Funded by: MCOLES, MiSNAP, SMOKE
This course provides healthcare personnel the opportunity to discuss often uncomfortable topics in a comfortable setting through small-group discussion, real-life scenarios, and engage in self-awareness activities. (2 Hours)
​Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Definitions and misconceptions
- Statistics and stigmas
- Anxiety-related disorders
- Communication with someone in crisis
- Mood disorders​
- Importance and impact of self-care
Implicit bias and its impact
on first responders
302 Funded | MiSNAP: STS2020-1284 | Q Course: Q62J
This course takes a unique approach to implicit bias. Rather than attempting the impossible task of teaching participants how to retrain the brain in one training session, the goal is to understand the psychology behind implicit bias and offer ideas to positively impact preexisting beliefs over a period of time. (2 Hours)
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​Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Definitions and statistics
- Types of biases
- Biases and first responders
- What influences decisions
- Rational Choice Theory
- Error Management Theory
Empowered care: Strategies for first receivers in treating patients with special Needs
This course teaches first receivers not only how to provide exceptional care to patients with special needs and those experiencing mental health struggles, but also the importance of self-care. By focusing on their own mental and physical well-being, they’re able to enhance their work performance and deliver even better care. (4 Hours)
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Topics covered in this session include:
​- Variety of disabilities and behavioral characteristics
- Special needs challenges specific to the ED
- The Escalation Cycle and how to mitigate meltdowns
- Relationship between food consumption and behavior
- Techniques to maximizing cooperation and safety
- Visual supports and communication strategies
- Importance and impact of staff practicing self care
Maximizing the college Experience for Students With Disabilities
This course prepares academic institutions for students who need accommodations and/or additional support to succeed in the college setting. A walk-thru of campus facilities is offered to identify areas of improvement on campus and to maximize success for all students. (2-4 Hours)
​Topics include, but are not limited to:
-​ Autism, OCD, SPD, speech impairments, wheelchair users, Deaf/hard of hearing, and visual impairments
- How disabilities look in a college setting
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Situational behavior discussion
- Strategies to maximizing success & visual supports;
- Terminology and acronyms
Fostering Dialogue: Building Trust & Understanding with College Students
This course prepares academic institutions for the diversity within their student population and the challenges that go along with them. This class incorporates self-assessments, scenario-based discussions, and tabletop activities to accommodate a variety of learners. (2-4 Hours)
​Topics covered in this session include:
​- Interpersonal vs. intrapersonal communication
- Self-assessments
- Components of language
- Non-verbal communication
- Hearing vs. listening
- Active listening and empathy
- Communication strategies
The New Kids Are Here: How to Lead Gen Z Without Becoming a Meme
Funded by: MCOLES | MiSNAP | Q Course: Q62X
This course prepares first responders of all ranks with practical strategies to lead, motivate, and retain Gen Z personnel without burning out or throwing out the playbook. Learn how to adjust your approach without lowering standards, maintain respect without resorting to yelling, and why "because I said so" just doesn’t work anymore.
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​Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Who they are
- Their major influencers
- Strengths and struggles
- Setting expectations & giving feedback
- Building Buy-In and Motivation
- Balancing wellness & mission-first mentality
Decisions Under Pressure: 2-Day Immersive Training with MILO
Funded by: MCOLES
This 2-day interactive course is designed to prepare supervisors and frontline personnel to lead with emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and tactical empathy. (16 Hours)
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Day 1 focuses on classroom-based instruction covering three core areas:
- Interacting with the Special Needs Community
- Supervising Gen Z Personnel
- Mental Health & Self-Care
Day 2 transitions from theory to practice using the MILO interactive training system. Scenarios will be facilitated by experienced tactical officers who bring real-world experience to each interaction. Immersive scenarios will include:
- De-escalation of individuals who have special needs or are in mental health crisis
- Coaching moments with Gen Z officers in the field
- Leadership under pressure during emotionally charged calls
Lights, Sirens, and Lawn Chairs: Embracing the Slow Lane
302-Funded | Pending Q Course Approval
Through humor, honest conversation, and practical strategies, this course offers a roadmap for navigating the transition from sirens and structure to lawn chairs and leisure — without losing your sense of identity, purpose, or momentum. (8 Hour Course)
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​Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Mental and emotional prep
- Financial considerations
- The aging brain and tired body
- Resilience and wellness
- Benefits/Pension discussion
- Retirement panel
Understanding, Responding, and Reconnecting: Navigating Student Challenges on Campus
This interactive course gives college faculty the real-world tools to navigate the challenging interactions with today's college students, not only addressing mental health struggles, but overall high-emotion conversations.
​Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Recognizing mental health challenges in and out of the classroom;
- De-escalation in the moment and the 5-step deescalation method;
- Repairing and rebuilding after high-emotion conversations;
- Time management, college preparedness, and meeting students where they are
- Self-debriefing and reflection
The real cost of getting out: Planning for retirement while you're still in the game
Funded by: MCOLES, SMOKE
This course helps evaluate financial preparedness, how to avoid common pitfalls, and make smarter choices about pensions, insurance, and legacy planning.
​Topics include, but are not limited to:
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Discuss what retirement looks like in 2025 and beyond-- financially, personally, and practically;
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Identify and calculate the gap between cost of living and expected income in retirement;
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Evaluate how divorce, survivorship, and spousal age gaps impact retirement plans;
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Analyze real-world pitfalls like early retirement, beneficiary mistakes, or mismanaging pension elections
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Complete personal self-assessments, use tools, and financial calculators to create a tangible financial action plan.
Maximizing Interactions with
the Special Needs Community
Funded by: MCOLES, MiSNAP, SMOKE, OPOTC, CLEE
This course discusses a wide variety of types of special needs, statistics, and behavioral traits. Sessions are customized to accommodate the client's schedule and needs in 2-8 hour options. ​
​Topics include, but are not limited to:
- ASD, Sensory Processing Disorder, OCD, ODD, Down syndrome, anxiety, seizures and epilepsy, hard of hearing, visual impairment, wheelchair users
- Communication strategies and techniques
- Using an augmentative alternative device (AAC)
- Keywords and phrases and best practices
- Real world scenarios specific to your industry
- Family panel of adults with special needs and their families
Autism Across Genders: Considerations for High-Risk Encounters
Funded by: MCOLES | MiSNAP | SMOKE (pending)
This course examines how Autism presents differently in males and females and how those differences directly impact tactical decision-making during law enforcement encounters.
​Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Identifying male vs. female presentations that impact tactical decision-making
- Recognizing pre-assault indicators vs. stress behaviors specific to ASD
- Adjusting contact, containment, and communication strategies to reduce unnecessary escalation
- Understand how traditional tactics may fail or backfire
- Apply gender-informed tactical considerations during high-risk calls
Autism Across Genders: Considerations for High-Risk Encounters
Funded by: MCOLES
This course prepares personnel to confidently support students experiencing mental health distress through trust-based communication, trauma-informed responses, and clear role boundaries. The course emphasizes peer-appropriate de-escalation, emotionally safe conversations, and structured post-crisis debriefs that promote reflection, recovery, and connection to resources.
​Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Identifying challenges related to mental health and stigmas
- Self-care strategies and their role in sustainability for helpers
- Distinguish helpful vs. hurtful responses during crisis
- Use trauma-informed communication and de-escalation strategies
- Building trust and rapport in peer-to-peer support relationships
- Facilitating post-crisis conversations that promote safety, reflection, and recovery
