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March 20 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $5.00
presents:
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Morning Session: 9:30am – 12:00pm
Afternoon Session: 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Please note: Morning and afternoon sessions offer the same content. Please select only one when registering.
Location: Allegheny County Human Resources | 1 Smithfield St. Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Cost: Free to Attend
This program is made possible by a generous grant from the Staunton Farm Foundation.
About the Training
This immersive simulation offers participants a firsthand opportunity to better understand what it can be like to hear distressing voices. Developed by Pat Deegan, the experience uses an audio track and everyday activities to help participants step into the perspective of someone living with this experience.
Through guided discussion and reflection, participants explore how voice-hearing can impact daily life and learn practical, respectful ways to respond and offer support — whether in professional roles, family settings, or the community.
What to Expect
- A brief explanation of the voice-hearing experience.
- An immersive simulation using specialized audio equipment.
- Engaging group discussion to deepen understanding and empathy.
What You’ll Gain
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Greater understanding of what it can be like to hear distressing voices
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Increased empathy and insight into how this experience affects daily life
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Practical ways to respond with compassion and respect
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Greater awareness of how environments and interactions can either increase or reduce distress
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Who Should Attend?
This training is open to community members, family members, caregivers, and professionals who want to better understand voice-hearing experiences and learn how to respond with empathy and support. This may include behavioral and physical health professionals, students, first responders, educators, clergy, justice-involved professionals, policymakers, and others working or living in the community.
Please Note:
This training is designed for non-voice hearers. All participants must sign a consent form to participate. To review the form prior to the event, email trainings@penncares.org.
What People Are Saying
“Thank you for allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of what a person goes through. I don’t just have sympathy—I have empathy.”
“If you can put yourself in another’s shoes, even briefly, it changes how you respond to and care for others.”
“This experience was transformative. It challenged my perceptions and gave me insight into supporting those who hear distressing voices.”
Attendance & Cancellation Policy
This training is offered at no cost; however, there are real costs associated with materials, space, and facilitation.
Registrants who do not attend and do not cancel at least 24 hours in advance may be assessed a $20 no-show fee or may be restricted from registering for future free PennCares trainings.
If you are unable to attend, please notify us so your spot can be offered to another participant.
Parking Note
This training takes place in downtown Pittsburgh. The host building does not have on-site parking. Paid public parking and metered street parking are available nearby. Detailed parking options and recommendations will be sent in your confirmation email.
Questions? Contact Allison Fisher at trainings@penncares.org.
PennCares Cancellation Policy
- PennCares Support Services reserves the right to cancel an event due to low enrollment or other circumstances which would make the event non-viable.
- PennCares reserves the right to substitute course instructors as necessary.
- If PennCares cancels an event, registrants will be offered a full refund.
Postponement: Should circumstances arise that result in the postponement of an event, registrants will have the option to either receive a full refund or transfer registration to the same event at the new, future date.
Substitutions and Transfers: We understand that circumstances may occur to prevent you from attending a training. If you find that you are unable to attend one of PennCares’ trainings, you have several options:
- Send a substitute: Substitutions are accepted as long as a written request is received. Substitutions may be made without penalty provided the original registrant contacts PennCares at trainings@penncares.org to request this change.
- Transfer to another course: Transfers are accepted up to the day of the event as long as a written request is received. In the event the registrant cannot attend a scheduled course for which he or she is enrolled, registration can be transferred to another course.
- Refund of monies: Requests for refunds must be made in writing and received by the training refund deadline stated on the training registration form. (See below for cancellation policy).
Registration Cancellation by Participant
- Unless specifically stated on registration materials, the deadline to request a refund for your registration is 5 business days before the event.
- Registration cancellations requested prior to the deadline will be eligible to receive a refund less a 5% administration fee. *
- Cancellations received less than 5 business days before the event will not be eligible for a refund and will be billed for the total cost.
- Registered no-shows are not eligible for a refund and will be billed the total cost.
- Cancellations will be accepted via e-mail to trainings@penncares.org and must be received by the stated cancellation deadline.
- All refund requests must be made by the attendee/payee.
- Refund requests must include the name of the attendee, the training date, and payment method.
These above policies apply to all PennCares trainings unless otherwise noted in the corresponding event materials. Please read all individual event information thoroughly.