Every parent has their child’s personal safety on their mind much of the time. But for parents who have children with intellectual disabilities, personal safety can be a complex issue that needs to be addressed from a very young age.
With that in mind, the Champaign County Down Syndrome Network is sponsoring a half-day conference focusing on personal safety for persons with intellectual disabilities and their families on June 19 at the First Christian Church in Champaign. Multiple tracks are available for parents and kids, both those who have disabilities and those who don’t, of all ages. Today is the final day of registration (see more below).
“Although safety education is critical for our community,” said organizer Jennifer Schrad, “this is not a subject that is typically offered. Track 4 presenter Shireley Paceley says, ‘Good, healthy education, renders people able to set boundaries for themselves, recognize situations which make them feel uncomfortable, and to tell when someone invades their boundaries. Everyone can learn. Our job is to teach. The younger we start, the easier it is, but it is never too late to begin.’”
photo by annikaleigh on flckr
The conference has a particular focus on sexuality education and sexual abuse education for parents and professionals, as well as for older children. Younger children will learn about bullying; there is also a track for older children who have a sibling with an intellectual disability.
According to Schrad, national data shows that people with disabilities are more likely to be the targets of violent crime and/or sexual abuse — especially children 12 and over — than the general population.
“Predators seek out victims that; won’t resist (or can’t), who they have access to (they may be educators, therapists, special programming staff, or even friends or family), who won’t (or can’t) tell about the abuse or who won’t be believed if they tell,” she said.
There are many audiences for the conference, including professionals who work with people with developmental disabilities; parents; siblings; and self-advocates with developmental disabilities or delays.
“Whether your child is very young, a teen, or an adult, whether they are verbal or non-verbal, live at home or somewhere else, whether they have a developmental delay without a diagnosis or if they are a person with Autism or Down syndrome, this conference is for you and your child.”
For more information, or to register for the conference, visit the Champaign County Down Syndrome Network website and download the brochure. Hurry; TODAY (June 14) is the final day to register. Scholarships may be available.
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