IMPACT: Ability: People with Disabilities Learn to Protect and Advocate for Themselves

The National Institute of Justice and numerous independent researchers report that people with disabilities are more likely to experience abuse than people without disabilities.

Safety is the foundation for success. IMPACT:Ability is a program where people with disabilities learn to understand and prevent abuse.

• Hands-on self-defense and self-advocacy training
• Self-protection strategies for situations that involve strangers and familiar people
• Reporting unsafe situations to trusted people ​

In collaboration with sponsoring organizations, the IMPACT:Ability teaching team will assess the needs and priorities of each student group. Not all of the scenarios mentioned to the right are presented to all groups and in most cases key scenarios are repeated multiple times. ​

Topics Covered & Skills Taught:

• Refusing unwanted help from a stranger
• Refusing unwanted attention while commuting on public transportation
• Escaping an attempted abduction
• Deflecting and escaping a bullying situation at school
• Assertive communication with peers around issues including gossip and pressure to drink or use drugs
• Resisting unwanted sexual touch from a caregiver or adult, including workplace sexual harassment
• Resisting attempted sexual assault by a dating partner or peer
• Assertive communication with personal care attendants
• Effective communication and conflict resolution in the workplace

For more information or to organize an IMPACT:Ability program
Tara Brinkman, Registration and Workshop Coordinator
4057 N. Damen Ave Chicago IL 60618
312-971-7110
info@impactchicago.org