Available Trainings

L.E.A.N On Us is now accepting requests for trainings to be conducted in 2009 and early 2010.  Conference speaking engagements also being offered.  Contact us as soon as possible to arrange for your next training. The professional training staff of L.E.A.N. On Us have been conducting trainings for fifteen years on a variety of topics.  Executive Director Carolyn Gammicchia leads the staff as a certified trainer, advocate, and consultant.  She has also coordinated conferences, sat on professional panels, and her materials have been utilized nationally and internationally for over ten years.  She has also designed curriculum that has been state certified for first responder professionals across the country and has assisted on many different community projects with first responder agencies, consulted on training videos, and assists both victims of crime who have disabilities as well as those accused of crimes to access the appropriate services.  She has also testified in both criminal and civil cases on these issues as both a law enforcement officer and an expert witness regarding training of professionals. Ms. Gammicchia and her husband Andrew were the first to introduce on a national level "Appropriate Response ~ Appropriate Preparedness" trainings for the Autism Community.  Since doing so these presentations and materials have been expanded to educate on a variety of disabilities.  These trainings consist of day long sessions with professionals which end with an open meeting to bring together professionals and the community members they serve so that concerns are honored by both segments.  These are often the most valuable parts of the day because we all learn each others expectations and limitations and are able to discuss solutions to bring together the community so the best services can be offered.  Additionally an evening session is held for community members including individuals with disabilities, their families and care providers, so that the community piece on preparedness can be shared.  Materials and a wide range of resources and information are offered in both sessions. The Gammicchias have also assisted in passing of legislation on the training of first responders and provided both written and testimony at hearings on the subject.  Ms. Gammicchia has also authored several articles which have been featured in national and local publications on this subject as well as created materials to provide individuals with disabilities a safer path for their self-determined lives.  The Gammicchia's also have a unique aspect due to their personal backgrounds of extensive training in the law enforcement field within several areas of specific expertise as well as having members of their family affected by the disabilties they both train and consult on.  Carolyn had a brother who lived with Epilepsy and was arrested several times due to what was thought to be "abnormal behavior" but in reality was a seizure.  The Gammicchia's also have a son with Autism who has also assist them with their trainings and presented along side them at conferences.  Please feel free to contact L.E.A.N On Us if you are interested in a day long training session.  Ms. Gammicchia also provides two-day Train the Trainer sessions as well as Team Trainings for professionals.  Consulting fees, a list of available trainings, and requirements for state certifications are available upon request at gammicca@comcast.net.  Fees include consultant fee, travel expenses, materials/resource costs.  Booking dates are limited for winter of 2008 and spring of 2009.  Summer and fall of 2009 are available, however cannot be booked without two months notice, a minimal of three months if certification is required.  All trainings require a contractural agreement and fee deposit. Communication is so important when trying to assist others. The Law Enforcement Awareness Network is currently assisting in the development of training programs by identifying needed services.  In doing so we feel we will be able to assist in fulfilling the need for such valuable training for First Responder Personnel within all of our communities. The L.E.A.N. On Us project is seeking support to allow for training of first responders that is not currently being offered within the United States. We feel by doing so, it will allow for individuals affected by hidden disabilities and mental illness to be understood and provided for by first responders accordingly. Though we realize that a project of this nature will be multidimensional in its delivery of services, we also have come to realize the necessity in providing such programs. To alleviate the unknown to first responder professionals in the field is something that will be of immeasurable benefit. To allow individuals affected by hidden disabilities or mental illness the opportunity to be better understood and awareness of their disorders less complex will also allow for a better sense of dignity when dealing with criminal matters and injuries when individuals may have been victimized. As first responders, we have also come to the realization that familiarity assists in situations which are often uncomfortable. In situations where hidden disabilities are unknown or mental illness is often unidentifiable, we have been left to respond accordingly by the way in which we have been trained and educated. If that process lacks the necessary awareness of all aspects of those within our communities, we at times may be unable to perform our duties as others perceive we should. We personally feel that the development of L.E.A.N. On Us project will allow for programming to better service all members of our communities on the whole. By doing so, first responders will be better prepared and those with hidden disabilities and mental illness will be treated in a manner to allow for both the mutual trust and respect that all of us expect from each other. We ask that all of those within our community share our vision in making L.E.A.N. On Us a reality. We feel that providing law enforcement and first responder professionals with a better understanding and awareness of hidden disabilities and mental illness, is to provide a better relationship between those servicing our communities and those individuals who they serve. We hope you will feel the same way and will support us with this project.  We would like to thank the Shelby Community Foundation for their support that assisted this project in its initial stages and allowed for the development of this website.