The Arc Connecticut & Oak Hill are partnering to provide people with I/DD, families, and human services professionals with insight, strategies, and resources to prevent and respond to this critical issue. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the barriers to healthy relationships and safe sexuality for people with I/DD and the ways that communication challenges often reinforce these barriers. We will bring specific awareness to the critical role that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) plays in supporting this population of individuals who are more vulnerable to abuse.
Join us to learn:
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why abuse and assault happen
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what the “need to know” topics are for building critical judgment about safe, healthy relationships
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how to use assistive augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to help individuals learn, self-advocate, and report
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what resources are available to help
Presenters:
Brenna Doyle is a nonprofit professional and consultant with a focus on the fields of reproductive health, violence prevention, and sexual health education. She currently coordinates Oak Hill’s Center for Relationship and Sexuality Education (CRSE). Holding an M.A. in Gender & Cultural Studies and an M.S. in Nonprofit Management, Brenna is committed to shifting the culture that makes sexual violence possible, helping organizations and individuals better understand how they can be a part of this work.
Elena Fader is an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Specialist at New England Assistive Technology (NEAT), an Oak Hill Center. With an M.A. in Speech-Language combined with an Assistive Technology Certificate, she is driven by the ways that technology can empower and create opportunities for those with communication differences and physical challenges. Elena has developed NEAT’s AAC services to align with this perspective, including coaching and community programs.