Trauma-Informed Care

A framework originating in social work practice that asks organisations and service providers to recognise the widespread impact of trauma on the people they serve and to integrate that understanding into their policies, procedures, and interactions. Rather than directly treating past trauma, trauma-informed care focuses on creating environments that convey respect and compassion, foster autonomy, and avoid re-traumatisation. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) identifies five core criteria: safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. In accessibility and technology design, trauma-informed care principles guide the creation of tools and interfaces that are sensitive to the experiences of users who may have experienced trauma, particularly relevant for populations such as people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are disproportionately likely to experience traumatic events.