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

3. 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 NYC Children 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)

4. Domestic Violence Leads to Disability The Incidence of disabilities caused by maltreatment is 147 per 1,000 maltreated children Maltreatment 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)

6. High levels of dependence fit into the cycle of Power and Control Withholding of SSI Checks Restricting access to transportation Withholding wheelchairs and medications Refusal to assist with personal needs Restricting access to friends

7. Americans with Disabilities Act Title II for State and Local Governments Title III for Public Accommodations

8. Other Legal Protections Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Architectural Barriers Act of 1968

9. 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

10. People with Disabilities stay in Dangerous conditions significantly longer 11.3 years vs. 7.1 years in situations of physical abuse 8.3 years vs. 4.1 years in situations of sexual abuse (Baylor University Study)

11. Need for Shelter Over 80% of calls are requesting shelter Upwards of 70% of women in our singles residence are there due to DV

12. 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

13. An accessible shelter is more than meeting the requirements for physical access Accessible Neighborhood Accessible Building Program that meets the needs of people with disabilities

14. 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?

16. Entrance to Freedom House

17. Accessible Public/Common Use Areas Access for Residents with Mobility Impairment Hallways Elevators Stairways Meeting 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

24. Access in Apartments Accessible Light Switches, Electrical Outlets Accessible Environmental Controls Reinforced Walls in Bathroom Bars by toilet, tub, shower or shower seat Usable Kitchens and Bathrooms

27. Need for a Multifaceted Approach Intervention for the Individual Victim/Survivor Systems Intervention Prevention

28. Crisis Intervention Addressing Immediate Needs Food Shelter Safety

29. Role of the Social Worker as Case Manager Initial Intake Concrete benefits related advocacy Section 8 Application Help decipher the mail

30. Safety Planning Considerations Contact with family and Friends Contact with medical providers Contact with schools

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

32. 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

33. Role of the Social Worker as Therapist Establishing Trust Social Worker as Caregiver Psychoeducation Social Worker as Teacher Psychotherapy Social Worker as Midwife

34. The Need for a Habilitation Model Money Management Time Management Travel Training Shopping and Cooking Skills; Nutrition Education Health Care Management; Home Care Management Advocacy with support systems Stress Management

35. Role of Occupational Therapists Evaluation Skills Building Confidence Building

36. Positive Parenting Intervention Orientation to Childhood Development Positive Discipline Techniques Negotiating Skills Building Strong Parent-Child Relationships Establishing Boundaries Managing Daily Frustrations Increasing a child’s self esteem Creating/Maintaining Family Traditions

37. Strengths of Collaboration Different disciplines approach issues with different questions Important information comes from nontraditional sources No one worker gets the full story

38. 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.

39. BARRIER FREE LIVING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM Voice Hotline (212) 533-4358 TDD Hotline (212) 533-4632 Main Office (212) 677-6668

40. Our Collaborators Cetra Ruddy Architects (212) 941-9801 Jeff Rosenberg, Principal Architect New Destiny Housing Development (646) 472-0262 Carol Corden, Executive Director