July Commemorates the Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law on July 26, 1990, beginning an annual celebration of July as Disability Pride Month. This landmark legislation prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life.
Disability Pride Month is an extension of this ongoing journey towards equality. It celebrates and recognizes the achievements, history, and contributions of people with disabilities. It also serves as an essential time to raise awareness, foster a more inclusive and understanding society, challenge societal attitudes toward disabilities, and encourage individuals with disabilities to embrace their identity with pride.
Moreover, Disability Pride Month emphasizes the importance of intersectionality within the disabled community itself—a recognition of the diverse identities and experiences that intersect with disability, including race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status. It’s vital to acknowledge and address the unique challenges faced by those at these intersections, advocating for equity and justice for all members of the disabled community.
Children with Disabilities Experience Abuse at Higher Rates
However, one critical area that demands our attention is the prevalence of child abuse among children and adolescents with disabilities. The United Nations reported that children and adolescents with a disability are three to four times more likely to experience physical abuse, sexual violence, and neglect than any other children. In Minnesota in 2020, over 14 percent of children screened in for maltreatment had a known disability, which is a rate five times more frequent than in the general population.
Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) provide child-centered services and support throughout the investigation. The child-centered approach allows the team to accommodate the needs of each child when they come to a CAC. Forensic Interviewers have many opportunities to adapt the interview process to be accessible for children and adolescents with diverse needs.
This guide from Zero Abuse Project provides a thorough and thoughtful list of opportunities to make the forensic interview accessible for each person. The National Children’s Advocacy Center also provides training on interviewing children with disabilities. You can also keep an eye on the Alliance training calendar for future training opportunities.
How to Support Children with Disabilities and Their Families
Prevent Child Abuse America, a non-profit organization that aims to prevent the abuse and neglect of children before it occurs, states that the indicators of abuse in children and adolescents with disabilities are the same as their peers in the general population. However, due to their disabilities, people often ignore their injuries resulting from abuse. The social stigma that this population is different from their peers may cause children and adolescents with disabilities not to report their abuse, hindering their healing journey. So, how can you help prevent and raise awareness about it?
Below, we highlight resources and organizations that can help you increase your awareness. Share them with your team and be an ally to children and adolescents with disabilities.
Resources
- What Disability Pride Month is
- Fact Sheet: Maltreatment of Children with Disabilities
- United Nations: Children with Disabilities
- The Risk and Prevention of Maltreatment of Children with Disabilities
- Interviewing Children with Disabilities
- Preparation and Adaptations for Interviewing Children with a Disability
Non-Profit Organizations
Disability Pride Month is more than an annual observance; it’s a testament to the resilience, diversity, and strength of the community. Everyone deserves respect, autonomy, and the opportunity to live a fulfilling life unencumbered by prejudice or barriers. This July, let’s renew our commitment to a society where every person is protected, valued and celebrated.