A Supporter’s Toolbox With Stacy L. Nonnemacher, PhD
A podcast from NASDDDS’ Director of Cross-Systems Strategies, Stacy L. Nonnemacher, PhD! This quarterly podcast features tips and strategies for state IDD systems to share with providers. The topics are targeted for the DSP workforce and full of information for these professionals to use daily in their work.
This podcast began as part of Pennsylvania’s My ODP Training Resource Center. Listen to earlier versions via THIS LINK.
The Two-Handed Clap: A Supporter’s Role in Navigating Healthcare
Stacy emphasizes the critical role supporters play in helping individuals navigate healthcare by preparing in advance, supporting self-advocacy, and ensuring clear, respectful communication. By combining preparation with person-centered support, supporters can help ensure individuals are heard, respected, and better equipped to navigate healthcare experiences.
The Right Questions, Better Support
Stacy sits down with self-advocate, Perri Spencer, to explore how asking the right questions is essential to providing the right support. Through Perri’s lived experiences, particularly in medical and mental health settings, the conversation highlights how vague language, unclear timeframes, and abstract rating scales can lead to misunderstandings and inadequate care. Together, they underscore that effective support begins with listening, knowing the person, and communicating in ways that are precise, respectful, and accessible.
Meeting Them Where They Are: A Harm Reduction Approach
Stacy introduces harm reduction as a compassionate, practical approach to supporting individuals who engage in risky behaviors, challenging the traditional “all-or-nothing” mindset. Drawing from its roots in the substance use field, she explains how harm reduction focuses on minimizing risk and increasing safety, such as through tapering or safer alternatives, while supporters work to understand the underlying “why” behind a behavior. By removing shame and responding with respect, supporters can build trust and create conditions that make long-term change more possible. Stacy positions harm reduction not as permission for harmful behavior, but as a realistic, relationship-centered tool that prioritizes safety, dignity, and meeting people where they are on the path toward meaningful change.
When It Matters Most: The Vital Role of Relationships
Stacy introduces harm reduction as a compassionate, practical approach to supporting people who engage in risky behaviors, challenging the traditional “all-or-nothing” mindset. Drawing from its roots in the substance use field, she explains how harm reduction focuses on minimizing risk and increasing safety, such as through tapering or safer alternatives, while supporters work to understand the underlying “why” behind a behavior. By removing shame and responding with respect, supporters can build trust and create conditions that make long-term change more possible. Stacy positions harm reduction not as permission for harmful behavior, but as a realistic, relationship-centered tool that prioritizes safety, dignity, and meeting people where they are on the path toward meaningful change.
The 3 Rs of Crisis: Regulate, Relate, and Reason
Stacy draws on Dr. Bruce Perry’s “3 Rs” framework—regulate, relate, reason— emphasizing that supporters must first manage their own emotions to help others feel safe, then validate their experience, and only afterward reflect and problem-solve. By understanding what soothes, validates, and teaches each person, supporters can help expand a person’s Window of Tolerance, strengthen emotional regulation skills, and respond more effectively during future crises.
Points of Influence: Finding Places as a Supporter
Stacy encourages supporters to recognize their “points of influence.” She encourages supporters to be educated and understand they have influence that can meaningfully impact outcomes for someone. Ultimately, she challenges listeners to step outside their lane and use their influence to help people receive comprehensive, coordinated support.
Being Prepared: Creating a Plan for Crisis
Stacy emphasizes the importance of proactive, person-centered crisis planning to prevent escalation and improve outcomes when challenges arise. By planning ahead, when the person is calm and involved in the process, supporters can build trust, increase self-awareness, and reduce the likelihood of hospitalizations or law enforcement involvement.
Social Connections: Decreasing Negative Effects of Trauma
Stacy discusses how traumatic experiences can lead to post-traumatic growth, including greater appreciation for life, stronger relationships, and increased personal strength. She encourages supporters to proactively help people build meaningful, trusting relationships that foster resilience, belonging, and emotional support, noting that while trauma cannot always be prevented, strong social bonds can buffer its impact and promote growth.
Words Matter
Stacy discusses the power of words and how the language we use, especially in the disability field, shapes self-perception, behavior, and even brain responses. Research shows words can influence pain, performance, and stress. She urges supporters to practice mindful, affirming language that builds confidence and positively influences how individuals see themselves and how others see them. Words, she reminds us, have the power to either diminish or empower.