As a group, people with disabilities experience sexual abuse at rates far higher than non-disabled persons. Sadly, disabled survivors face many barriers to victim services. SART members are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act to provide reasonable accommodations so that our programs and spaces are open to everyone – but what does that look like in practice?

Disability encompasses a broad range of conditions, and every disabled individual is unique. Providing fully inclusive services, therefore, is an on-going commitment to learning and adjusting how we do things. This session will provide background for understanding disability rights and barriers, and practical tips for increasing accessibility, dignity, and equity for survivors with disabilities.

OBJECTIVES

• Understanding barriers faced by survivors with disabilities and creating an accessible environment
• Language, etiquette, and best practices for promoting inclusivity
• Tips for providing meaningful accommodations, including effective communication strategies

PRESENTER 

Kelley Hartlieb is the Justice Projects Coordinator at the University of Alaska Center for Human Development (CHD). She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Oregon. For over 30 years, Hartlieb’s career has centered around abuse prevention and socio-sexual health equity. She has worked as a domestic violence advocate, comprehensive sexuality educator, and clinical case manager for neurodiverse persons with intensive trauma histories and high-risk behaviors. In her current position at CHD, Hartlieb oversees the state-wide Disability Abuse Response Team (DART) project, aiming to remove barriers and improve services for survivors with disabilities in Alaska. She co-leads the Friendships and Dating Program, a socio-sexual education and skill-building curriculum for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Outside of work, Hartlieb enjoys campfire cookouts with family and friends, following her twin daughters around the globe, and naps with her kitty.

Enduring Modules - This module originated on 7/22/202026 and will remain available for CE credit through 09/30/2026

Criteria for Successful Completion:

Live attendees must join the zoom link via the LMS site, be logged in for a minimum of 90% of the session, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded. 

Recordings of the live session will be made available within one week of the live date. 

Asynchronous attendees must utilize the LMS to obtain resource information (if available), view 100% of recording(s), complete all modules, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded.

No relevant financial relationships exist for any individuals in a position to control content of this educational activity.

NOTE:

The Academy of Forensic Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.