In addition to formalizing a protocol through MOUs, you must provide training (including cross training) for professionals who work to protect persons with disabilities and for those whose responsibility it is to respond to allegations of abuse of a person with a disability. Hold trainings on an ongoing basis and update them, if necessary, to address new issues that arise.
Trainings should address, but not be limited to, the following:
- Understanding the prevalence of abuse against persons with disabilities.
- Understanding the roles and responsibilities of respective team members.
- Identifying what is a crime and what to do when an allegation of a crime is made.
- Communicating and interacting effectively with persons with disabilities.
- Accessing any protective services needed for victims with disabilities.
- Recognizing, reporting, and responding to victims with disabilities.
- Emphasizing the importance of using people-first language.
- Educating the field on the needs of persons with disabilities, such as physical access to buildings and modes of transportation (e.g., bus, car, elevator/escalator) and communication (e.g., written publications, voice and video recordings, computers, spoken language).
- Becoming familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other disability rights laws and regulations.