Supporting Clinicians Caring for Adult Survivors with Intellectual Disabilities
Activating Change and the International Association of Forensic Nurses have developed a three-part training webinar series specifically designed for clinicians who perform sexual assault medical forensic exams. These trainings increase nurses’ confidence, comfort, and knowledge about care and support for adult survivors with intellectual disabilities.
“(I appreciated) the examples of real world situations.”
People with disabilities experience violent victimization at rates 3-5 times higher than people without disabilities, and the rates are even higher for those with intellectual disabilities. For many survivors of sexual violence, medical forensic examinations conducted by trained nurses and clinicians are essential for healing.
Healthcare professionals who work with survivors with intellectual disabilities often lack training on how to provide accommodations, communicate in plain language, or conduct an exam when someone has additional physical disabilities. Survivors with intellectual disabilities can be left feeling overwhelmed, ashamed, confused, and traumatized by inaccessible and ineffective medical responses.
“(It helped me) understand the interaction from a different perspective ”
This educational series gives nurses greater insight into the lived experience of adults with intellectual disabilities and the unique barriers they face, as well as a deeper understanding of the supports and accommodations they can provide. We hope it's just the start of many deeper conversations about increasing access and deepening understanding of how to best support survivors in these critical settings.
“Very informational but easy to follow and understand! ”
We invite you to watch the webinar series below.
We also invite you to contact us regarding technical assistance for your organization, we are more than happy to speak with you and answer any questions you might have.
You can access our entire resource library at the link at the bottom of the page.
We would like to thank the WITH Foundation for their support in producing this training series.
Sexual Violence in the Lives of People with Intellectual Disabilities
In the first webinar in our series, we share foundational information about intellectual disabilities and the rates of sexual violence this community experiences. You can hear directly from self-advocates with intellectual disabilities about their experiences in healthcare and their hopes for the field.
Key Considerations for Clinicians Providing Effective Care to Patient Survivors
In the second webinar in our series, we focus on key considerations for nurses and clinicians performing sexual assault medical forensic exams on survivors with intellectual disabilities. We explore accessibility, plain language, the use of communication devices, and interacting with personal care attendants and guardians.
Making the Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exam Accessible for Patients with Intellectual Disabilities
In the third and final webinar in our series, we focus on the exam itself, applying the lessons learned from the first two webinars. We walk through the exam process step by step to share practical recommendations and guidance to optimize the patient-centered approach to care.
You can access our entire library of recorded webinars on implementing best practices and providing support to survivors with disabilities and Deaf survivors.
This easily searchable library covers a variety of issues including making communication accessible, and supporting survivors from intersecting marginalized communities.
You can use this interactive map to find the nearest service provider to you.