People with disabilities experience victimization at far higher rates than the general population. And while advocates have tracked these alarming statistics for years, little has changed. A major reason comes from the failure of reporting systems and the justice process to protect people with disabilities. When perpetrators face no accountability, the cycle repeats.
Victimization of People with IDD is an educational package from THINK+change designed to strengthen victim supports and improve justice outcomes for people with developmental and other disabilities. By exposing systemic gaps and offering practical solutions, the goal is to reduce victimization and ensure people with disabilities receive the justice they deserve.
Let them speak, let their story be heard.
TALKS – When Justice Ignores Disabilities
20-Minute Documentary
When someone becomes a victim of a crime, a long and often overwhelming process towards justice begins. It can be extremely difficult and taxing for anyone but when people with disabilities, especially those with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), enter this process, barriers and systemic failures might mean that they never get to see the justice they deserve. This documentary exposes these failures through the lens of advocacy and victim support providers.
TRAININGS – Victimization of People with IDD: Navigating Crisis
30-Minute THINK+change Academy Course
Crimes against people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) go under-reported, often due to the justice process missing the supports and knowledge to serve this population. This self-paced training gives crime victim professionals an understanding of how they can best serve a person with IDD. With the proper knowledge, people with IDD can be credible witnesses and you can help them tell their story!
TOOLS – Communication Pocket Guide: For Supporting People with IDD
Printable or Orderable Guide
This handy pocket guide provides the communication tips, best practices, and supports you can utilize when serving and supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD). Additionally, crime victim professionals will find targeted quick access information around reporting and emergency assistance.
Use this guide to make sure that you are providing the best support possible to our community members with IDD!
Available in Spanish and English – All videos are in English and offer English Closed Captioning and Spanish subtitles. All TOOLS are in English and Spanish.
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Made Possible by our Sponsors:
Developmental Pathways, Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA), arc Thrift Stores, Colorado District Attorney’s Council, The Blue Bench, The Initiative, and The Arc of Aurora