The Power of Place: A Paradigm Shift in Trauma-Informed Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Authors

  • Christine Martin sharedwellness.org
  • John Thvedt sharedwellness.org

Keywords:

Trauma-informed care, ID/A, Polyvagal Theory, resilience, environmental design, wellness, behavioral health, social innovation, co-regulation, community habilitation, sanctuary, inclusion

Abstract

This article explores the transformative role of place in trauma-informed care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/A). Traditional service models—whether residential or day—often prioritize supervision and productivity over wellness and belonging. The Shared Wellness model reframes these environments as active participants in healing. Drawing upon Polyvagal Theory, trauma-responsive design, and systematic teaching methods, the model integrates traditional habilitative practices with wellness-based community experiences. Healing, the authors argue, occurs not only through interventions but also through spaces and relationships that communicate safety, autonomy, and shared humanity. The future of care depends on homes and communities that heal as actively as the people within them.

Author Biographies

Christine Martin, sharedwellness.org

Christine Martin is the Co-founder, President, Chair and Executive Director of Shared Wellness. Christine has forty years of experience in the field of community ID/A services serving people with dual diagnosis in residential settings. Christine has been an active part of self-determination movement leading pilot projects throughout PA and Maryland. Through Shared Support and Shared Wellness Chris has led the development of innovative and person-centered program design.

John Thvedt, sharedwellness.org

John Thvedt, Ed.D., is Co-Founder of Shared Wellness and a psychologist specializing in trauma-responsive systems and leadership development. He bridges research and practice to design service models that align autonomy, safety, and connection.

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Published

2025-12-11

How to Cite

Martin, C., & Thvedt, J. (2025). The Power of Place: A Paradigm Shift in Trauma-Informed Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Social Innovations Journal, 34. Retrieved from https://socialinnovationsjournal.com/index.php/sij/article/view/11246

Issue

Vol. 34 (2025): Innovations and Models of Care in Health and Human Services: Advancing Care, Systems, and Policy for Complex Needs

Section

Therapeutic, Clinical, and Technological Innovations for Special Needs Populations

Categories

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Copyright (c) 2025 CHRISTINE MARTIN, JOHN THVEDT (Author)

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