New Outreach Resource for Survivors with Developmental Disabilities

April 23, 2025 |
Priscilla Klassen

VALOR’s collaborative project with The Arc of California, C.A. LEADDS, has developed a new outreach resource specifically designed for sexual assault survivors with developmental disabilities (DD). This resource was informed by conversations with survivors and shaped by the voices of those most impacted.  

Throughout the course of the project, C.A. LEADDS conducted interviews with survivors with DD. Common themes emerged from these interviews, highlighting barriers to support: 

  • Survivors waited — sometimes years — to disclose because they didn’t think they would be believed
  • Many survivors were afraid to disclose because of the potential life disruptions caused by mandated reporting.
  • Survivors did not know about rape crisis centers until after they disclosed

 

These findings underscore the importance of ensuring that survivors with DD are informed about their rights and options for support. Rape crisis centers play a vital role in providing confidential services and may be among the few resources that are not mandatory reporters, depending on state law. Connecting survivors with DD to rape crisis centers can help support autonomy and informed decision-making.

Example of QR code placement in brochure

In response to these needs, the C.A. LEADDS team developed a plain language  outreach brochure for survivors with DD. The brochure explains what sexual abuse is, outlines survivor rights, and offers information on where to get help and what types of services are available. It is designed with accessible language and icons, and includes a customizable section where rape crisis centers can add their hotline number, website, and QR code. To ensure relevance and accessibility, the brochure was reviewed by a team of self-advocates. Their feedback influenced decisions on content, images, icons, language, and color palette.

 

This resource can be used in a variety of community settings — such as libraries, parks, bowling alleys, community centers, and movie theaters — to increase awareness and accessibility of rape crisis center services. Rape crisis centers may use the brochure as a tool for outreach to survivors with disabilities, while disability service providers may find it helpful in building partnerships with local rape crisis centers. The brochure can also support discussions about mandated reporting while promoting survivor autonomy. Suggested uses include distribution at annual meetings, or placement in shared spaces such as group homes and day programs. 

**This project is supported by Grant No. 15JVOW-22-GK-00220-DISA awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Justice.**

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD CUSTOMIZABLE BROCHURE