Support for survivors:
Doing better for folks with disabilities
Fiona Evans
Dv/IPV/stalking advocate
pSU Capstone
C/O 2022
The Why
We as advocates, and the community as a whole, must identify that Domestic Violence touches members of all communities regardless of sex, gender, race, sexual orientation, ability or any other demographic.
Specifically as an advocate, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves an others on how Domestic Violence impacts those who experience it, how we can provide support, and areas where resources are not matching the need for services.
We attempt to pair folks with programs and shelter spaces that would not only further support their journey to a life free from all forms of interpersonal violence, but that also serve the individual in a way that supports any needs they may have during that process.
In order to support survivors we as advocates try to make the most impact with the resources we are given, and often those resources are insufficient, especially for those who have one ore more disabilities.
The following are just some of the resources advocates lack access to, to be able to assist folks with disabilities:
Specifically as an advocate, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves an others on how Domestic Violence impacts those who experience it, how we can provide support, and areas where resources are not matching the need for services.
We attempt to pair folks with programs and shelter spaces that would not only further support their journey to a life free from all forms of interpersonal violence, but that also serve the individual in a way that supports any needs they may have during that process.
In order to support survivors we as advocates try to make the most impact with the resources we are given, and often those resources are insufficient, especially for those who have one ore more disabilities.
The following are just some of the resources advocates lack access to, to be able to assist folks with disabilities:
- Easily accessible interpretation programs for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Accessible shelter space and programing for folks with physical disabilities
- Easily accessible and maintainable mental healthcare
- Bi/Multilingual advocates
- Programing and services specific to the LGBTQIA+ community
The Work
The Question: What can I as an individual advocate do to help bridge the gaps in services and knowledge?
During the course of this term, I have been working to find areas in my own professional life where I can step up to be a more effective advocate. I really dug down and took inventory with myself about what issues I see on a daily basis and how I can be more readily available to folks with disabilities. Here are some of the things I have been working on to hopefully be a more well rounded and inclusive advocate:
During the course of this term, I have been working to find areas in my own professional life where I can step up to be a more effective advocate. I really dug down and took inventory with myself about what issues I see on a daily basis and how I can be more readily available to folks with disabilities. Here are some of the things I have been working on to hopefully be a more well rounded and inclusive advocate:
- Learning ASL
- Throughout this term I have begun taking Basics of ASL and have been working heavily on Finger Spelling, as many DV/SA/IPV terms do not have designated signs
- I have identified and am currently in the process of applying to a Post Baccalaureate Program to start the journey in becoming a licensed ASL interpreter
- Continuing to have Communication with Deaf folks and folks that are Hard of Hearing to gain a better understanding of what needs must be met
- Trainings on supporting folks with disabilities
- Trainings specific to various disabilities (Mental Health , Developmental Disorders, ASD, Chronic Illness, Age Related Disabilities, etc.)
- Taking time to make connections with folks experiencing disabilities to better understand the needs of individuals with a wide variety of disability
- Trainings specific to Youth and Adolescents with disabilities
The Experience in reflection
- Challenges
- Was difficult to meet one on one with folks to discuss the needs folks with disabilities feel still need to be met due to the remnants of COVID. I was able to have zoom meetings with some folks as well as some text and phone conversations, but I would have really likes to have more in person one on one time.
- Realizing the scope of the issue and the amount of work that is going to have to be put in to make a positive change throughout systems was shocking but motivating.
- Successes
- Able to make connections with a wide variety of folks experiencing various disabilities.
- My knowledge of disability related needs has grown, and my understanding of how to adapt an existing program to better accommodate the needs of folks with disabilities:
- flexibility with meeting times, meeting spaces and facility spaces that are ADA friendly, shifting storage so items are at an accessible height, allowing more time for certain tasks done so there is no rushing, taking breaks during collaborative tasks to allow for centering or any sort of comfort or medical need, having multiple explanation styles to insure proper communication and understanding
- Took time to look at my own practice as an advocate and identified areas where I can continue to improve over time to be the most inclusive and supportive version of myself
- Where I want to go next
- Learn Learn Learn
- taking time to do more trainings and continue to interact with folks with disabilities to deepen my understanding of the real life issues folks face, and how I can aid in their journey to be free from violence.
- taking time to do more trainings and continue to interact with folks with disabilities to deepen my understanding of the real life issues folks face, and how I can aid in their journey to be free from violence.
- Encouraging others to learn
- it is incredibly important to encourage others to learn about various disabilities and how we as advocates can aid in decreasing the barriers folks face on a daily basis
- sharing my knowledge but encouraging people to listen to testimony and do trainings provided by folks with disabilities to get a more comprehensive understanding of the realities of living with a disability
- it is incredibly important to encourage others to learn about various disabilities and how we as advocates can aid in decreasing the barriers folks face on a daily basis
- Volunteering
- identify and begin weekly or monthly volunteer shifts with organizations that focus of disability education and outreach for folks with disabilities. This step was part of my original plan for this project, but due toCOVID, I had to cancel this piece, but indent on completing it in the future.
- identify and begin weekly or monthly volunteer shifts with organizations that focus of disability education and outreach for folks with disabilities. This step was part of my original plan for this project, but due toCOVID, I had to cancel this piece, but indent on completing it in the future.
- Learn Learn Learn
Be trauma informed:
for you and survivors
Being trauma informed can take on many forms, which can make it difficult to know if you're effectively advocating for a survivor or even yourself. Here are a few rules of thumb on how you can stay trauma informed:
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