"In North America, 60-75% of people experience a traumatic event at some point during their life. As we go through our daily lives, triggers surround us and can have a profound effect on those living with added stress. Environmental triggers can inform our attitude and behavior, making the spaces around us the first opportunity to reshape our response to trauma. How do designers create environments that go beyond accessibility to feel welcoming, promote empowerment, demonstrate safety, and alleviate stress? How can design inspire hope and healing for all of us? Join us as we expand the definition of accessibility to include mental health and trauma-informed design principles. This session will challenge design professionals to implement strategies that promote a sense of safety and calm into their everyday practice. Never has this been more important than amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join architects and designers of the new MNPD Headquarters and Family Safety Center(FSC) along with Diane Lance, the Department Head for the Office of Family Safety, as they explore the benefits of trauma-informed design and share a virtual tour of the facility. One of the few municipalities in the US to consolidate incident reporting and treatment services under one record-breaking roof, Nashville’s FSC provides comprehensive services that minimize added trauma for survivors that can occur when seeking resources. Enclosed in a glass prism at the heart of the building, a play area washed with natural light provides a refuge for children. It serves as a beacon to staff, reminding them of the importance of their work with survivors. Just as the prism refracts light, the FSC works hard to reflect light into the lives of their clients. "