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IMPACT:Ability

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. ​

IMPACT:Ability is an all-gender program.
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
Program Coordinator
[email protected]
4057 N. Damen Ave Chicago IL 60618
312-971-7110

Contact Us

312.971.7119

Our Mission

IMPACT Chicago teaches self-defense to  women, girls, and ​people with disabilities, so they can prevent, minimize, and  stop violence.

Mailing Address

4057 North Damen Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60618
  • Home
  • Programs
    • Core Program
    • IMPACT for Teens
    • What is IMPACT Program
    • Advanced Programs
    • IMPACT:Ability
    • Workshops >
      • Online Workshops
    • Schedule 2025
  • Register
    • Core Program
    • IMPACT for Teens
    • What is IMPACT
    • Advanced Programs
    • Payment Options
  • Blog
  • Support
    • Donate Now
    • Volunteer
    • Refer a Friend
    • Connect with IMPACT
  • About Us
    • Our Mission and Approach
    • Gender Inclusivity
    • Anti-Racism >
      • IMPACT & Racism
      • What We've Done
      • Where We're Headed
    • Statement on COVID-19
    • Instructors >
      • Become an Instructor
    • Board and Admin Staff
    • Frequently Asked Questions