Supporting Crime Victims with Disabilities

Instructors: Dan Petersen

The target audience for this training is victim service professionals who work with victims of crime who have disabilities, as well as professionals from the various disabilities community who work with people who have cognitive, sensory, mobility, and other types of disabilities. Topics will include an overview of the Americans with Disabilities Act, how agencies can comply with legal requirements, techniques for conducting appropriate needs assessments, outreach activities, and direct services to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Using case studies, role plays, and small group discussions, participants will examine the varied types of disabilities faced by the victims they serve. Activities will also encourage collaboration between professionals in the victim services and disabilities fields to strategize ways to better serve victims with disabilities.