Inside the Learning Lab: Training That Sparks Change, Not Just Note-Taking

“Inside the Learning Lab”

This post is part of “Inside the Learning Lab,” an ongoing series exploring the people, principles, and possibilities shaping growth at Emmaus. From training innovations to thought leadership and community partnerships, each post offers a behind-the-scenes look at how The Learning Lab is working to become a trusted space for learning, connection, and impact—for professionals, caregivers, self-advocates, advocates, and everyone connected to the intellectual and developmental disability community.

When I started in this field more than 20 years ago, training meant a classroom, a thick binder, and long hours of passive listening. Those days are gone, and modern training is no longer just about delivering information.

For me, it is about promoting curiosity and sparking ideas. Every time I speak to a group, whether it’s at a conference or in a small training session, my goal is to leave the audience with something that shifts their thinking, sparks curiosity, and inspires change —big or small.

Unless you are learning a highly technical skill, the most valuable part of training is the moments that make you pause. It could be:

• An idea that sparks curiosity: “Is that possible?”
• A statement that challenges your assumptions: “That would never work here.”
• An approach that inspires action: “I wish we tried that.”

The next time you register an employee for a training seminar or send them off to a conference, acknowledge that they will likely participate in several sessions, each addressing a different topic. Rather than encouraging them to cling to every slide or bullet point, ask them to focus on one meaningful insight from each session. When shared with the team, that one insight often drives more positive change than pages of notes ever could.

Whether it is L1MA certification, CPR/First Aid, or leadership development, our goal is the same, create an environment where learning inspires change and translates into better support for the people we serve.

Discover the difference:
See our upcoming professional development courses for DSPs and caregivers.