Vulnerable

Most of the time, I write about the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities. Yet they are still vulnerable to people who have more power than they do. Sometimes those people with power misuse it and are unkind or abusive toward people who can't always speak up for themselves.

Just two weeks ago, the governor devised an initiative to protect people with disabilities from abuse. It's called Justice for the Protection of People With Special Needs. http://www.governor.ny.gov/Justice4SpecialNeeds/home.  The government has a multifaceted plan for taking a no-tolerance approach regarding abuse. The plan involves more effective training, support for staff while on the job, and justice for people who were harmed in some way. It will probably take some time to roll it all out as there will be many changes in the way we currently do things. Staff will be signing codes of conduct, supervisors and clinicians will be assigned hours in the evenings and on weekends, and people who are found to be abusive will be terminated.

The report http://www.governor.ny.gov/assets/documents/justice4specialneeds.pdf  that this all stems from cites many reasons why people do abuse others. The answer is not that evil people work with individuals who are vulnerable. The answer is mostly that the system surrounding services to others is imperfect, resulting in frustration and exhaustion.

I do applaud our governor in his effort to eradicate abuse toward the most vulnerable of our citizens. His plan looks costly and complex, though.

My own tendency is to break things down to as simple as possible. I also like all of the money allocated for people with intellectual disabilities to go directly to the supports that they need and want. That being said, my own plan involves two steps: provide services that are kind and do the right thing. Even if frustrated when working with someone with an intellectual disability, take responsibility for your own actions and don't abuse. Take a step back, take a break, ask for help, vent your frustrations in a safe place, help your fellow staff members. Do the right thing. Always.