Disability Minus Abuse
When disability and abuse intersect, we take action.
Our Mission
To disseminate information on how to reduce the risk of abuse, to promote healing for victims, and to seek justice for those who have been victimized
Our Focus
Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse of people with developmental or intellectual disabilities
Action Areas
Public awareness, education and training, policy development, law enforcement, and professional consulting
For many decades Dr. Nora Baladerian has been a leader and trailblazer in the fight against abuse of persons with disabilities.
For several years, Dr. Baladerian owned and operated the Disability and Abuse Project, a project focused on abuse of people with developmental disabilities and intellectual disabilities, and shared her work on the website of the Spectrum Institute. In June of 2020, Dr. Baladerian ended her Project's affiliation with Spectrum Institute, and terminated the Disability and Abuse Project entirely.
On July 4th, 2020 - Independence Day - we launched our new project - the Disability Without Abuse Project.
The Disability Without Abuse Project will take this as an opportunity to broaden our resources, and to broaden our focus.
Why We're Here
Abuse of people with disabilities is far-ranging, and includes abuse by caregivers, sexual abuse and rape, domestic violence, child abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, and elder abuse, among others. The rate of abuse against people with disabilities is much higher than the rate of abuse against people who do not have disabilities, and judges, lawyers, law enforcement, psychologists, social workers, media, and others all need much more additional specialized training about the abuse of people with disabilities. This project is an effort to address that need.
Project Director
Dr. Nora J. Baladerian, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with a private practice focusing on trauma and abuse. She conducts seminars and trainings for first responders, agency personnel, and service providers. Dr. Baladerian is often consulted by attorneys engaged in litigation, both civil and criminal, for forensic evaluations and strategic advice in cases involving disability and abuse.
Resources
Ten Tips for Parents or Family Members whose Loved One Receives School, Residential, Transportation, Day Program, Vocational, or Other Direct or Support Services By Nora Baladerian, Ph.D.
Write to Dr. Baladerian at Nora@DisabilityWithoutAbuse.com
1. Know and believe that abuse can happen to your loved one
2. Become familiar with the signs of abuse. Any signs of injury...