Barrier Free Living’s Experience

Servicing victims of domestic violence since 1986Comprehensive city-wide non-residential domestic violence program since 1997Operating a transitional shelter for homeless people with disabilities since 1990Funded to Create the first totally accessible Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter in the U.S. in 2002

The Domestic Violence Risk for People with Disabilities

Up to 85% of women with disabilities are victims of domestic abuse (Colorado Department of Health)

Approximately 223,000 in NYCChildren with Disabilities are at 4-10 times the risk of abuse (National Resource Center for Crisis Nurseries and Respite Care Centers, 1994 Report)

1993 Study documented twice the rate of abuse among disabled children (National Resource Center on Child Abuse and Neglect)

Domestic Violence Leads to Disability

The Incidence of disabilities caused by maltreatment is 147 per 1,000 maltreated childrenMaltreatment related injuries contributed or led to disabilities for 62% of sexually abused children; 48% of emotionally abused children and 55% of children experiencing neglect (National Resource Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, August, 1995 Report)

COLLUSION BETWEEN FAMILY MEMBERS AND CARE GIVERS

PHYSICAL SOCIAL

ISOLATION

THREATS OF

LOSING CHILDREN

PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE

CONTROL OF MONEY

CONTROL OF

WHEELCHAIR MEDICATIONS

THREATS OF

PHYSICAL ABUSE

POWER AND

CONTROL

SEXUAL ABUSE PHYSICAL

ABUSE

Duluth Power and Control Wheel adapted by Barrier Free Living Inc. New York, NY (212) 533-4358

Power and Control Wheel For People with Disabilities

Inaccessible

Housing

High levels of dependence fit into the cycle of Power and Control

Withholding of SSI ChecksRestricting access to transportationWithholding wheelchairs and medicationsRefusal to assist with personal needsRestricting access to friends

Americans with Disabilities Act

Title II for State and Local GovernmentsTitle III for Public Accommodations

Other Legal Protections

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973Architectural Barriers Act of 1968

LACK OF SERVICES

Social Service System NOVA survey of 150 victims agency; 6

interested in disability access Lack of access in shelters for victims who

are mobility impaired Lack of services for victims who are hearing

impaired

Disability system Denial of Problem Ignorance about problem

People with Disabilities stay in Dangerous conditions significantly longer

11.3 years vs. 7.1 years in situations of physical abuse8.3 years vs. 4.1 years in situations of sexual abuse (Baylor University Study)

Need for Shelter

Over 80% of calls are requesting shelterUpwards of 70% of women in our singles residence are there due to DV

Financial Barriers to Shelter

Making facilities larger to accommodate mobility impaired individuals is more expensive.Adding other features for access adds to the expense.Building for durability is another important factor

An accessible shelter is more than meeting the requirements for physical access

Accessible NeighborhoodAccessible BuildingProgram that meets the needs of people with disabilities

Accessible Entrance on Accessible Route

Where is the nearest accessible public Transportation?Is paratransit available? Reliable?Are there accessible Stores and services in the neighborhood?

Entrance to Freedom House

Accessible Public/Common Use Areas

Access for Residents with Mobility ImpairmentHallwaysElevatorsStairwaysMeeting Rooms and Offices

Access for Residents with Sensory Impairment

Signs with Braille and Raised Letters

Fire Alarms with Strobe Lights

High Contrast Design for people with low vision

Access in Apartments

Accessible Light Switches, Electrical OutletsAccessible Environmental ControlsReinforced Walls in BathroomBars by toilet, tub, shower or shower seatUsable Kitchens and Bathrooms

Need for a Multifaceted Approach

Intervention for the Individual Victim/SurvivorSystems InterventionPrevention

Crisis Intervention

Addressing Immediate Needs Food Shelter Safety

Role of the Social Worker as Case Manager

Initial IntakeConcrete benefits related advocacySection 8 ApplicationHelp decipher the mail

Safety Planning Considerations

Contact with family and FriendsContact with medical providersContact with schools

Initial Evaluation

Occupational Therapy Assessment Allen Cognitive Levels KELS Abused Women’s Self Efficacy Scale Beck Depression Inventory

Need for Mental Health Intervention

“ Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder” History of subjugation Alteration of Affect Regulation Alteration of Consciousness Alteration of Self Perception Alteration in Perception of Perpetrator Alteration in relation to others Alterations in systems of meaning

Role of the Social Worker as Therapist

Establishing Trust Social Worker as Caregiver

Psychoeducation Social Worker as Teacher

Psychotherapy Social Worker as Midwife

The Need for a Habilitation Model

Money ManagementTime ManagementTravel TrainingShopping and Cooking Skills; Nutrition EducationHealth Care Management; Home Care ManagementAdvocacy with support systemsStress Management

Role of Occupational Therapists

EvaluationSkills BuildingConfidence Building

Positive Parenting Intervention

Orientation to Childhood DevelopmentPositive Discipline TechniquesNegotiating SkillsBuilding Strong Parent-Child RelationshipsEstablishing BoundariesManaging Daily FrustrationsIncreasing a child’s self esteemCreating/Maintaining Family Traditions

Strengths of Collaboration

Different disciplines approach issues with different questionsImportant information comes from nontraditional sourcesNo one worker gets the full story

BFL’s Philosophy

When people build the skills and the mind set to become independent, they are less likely to accept abuse“Supportive Agnosticism”The only way in which an individual can achieve success is if they have the opportunity to take risks.

BARRIER FREE LIVING

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMVoice Hotline (212) 533-4358TDD Hotline (212) 533-4632Main Office (212) 677-6668

Our Collaborators

Cetra Ruddy Architects (212) 941-9801 Jeff Rosenberg, Principal Architect

New Destiny Housing Development (646) 472-0262 Carol Corden, Executive Director