Studies have long established that individuals with disabilities are disproportionately criminally victimized. From 2017 - 2019, the average annual rate of violent victimization for individuals with disabilities was more than four times the rate among individuals without disabilities. The rate of rape/sexual assault for persons with disabilities was more than four times than that for persons without disabilities (Harrell, 2021). The risk of being a victim of crime, especially a victim of sexual assault, is 4 to 10 times higher for an individual with a disability. There are a number of factors related to individuals with disabilities susceptibility to victimization. Understanding and communicating effectively with adults and older adults with disabilities including intellectual disabilities, autism and other developmental disabilities who are victims of abuse are necessary skills for adult protective services, law enforcement, district attorneys, clinicians, and other social service personnel who may work with these individuals who have been victimized. The ability to understand the unique characteristics and communicate effectively is paramount in creating safe environments and conducting appropriate investigations. 

The participants in this training will develop a broader understanding of intellectual disability, autism and other developmental disabilities as well as new strategies for effective interviewing and communicating. Video clips of real individuals with disabilities are integrated into the presentation to maximize the effectiveness of the training.