As you are growing into adulthood, your independence is increasing and you are venturing out into the community it is always important to be aware of dangers to your life, health and safety. This page contains resources, tips and tools that can help prepare you to safeguard yourself against these dangers and respond to dangers when they happen.
Assessing skills and Reporting abuse
STEPS To Independence
Getting ready for living independently
STEPS To Independence is a guidebook that provides an opportunity for individuals with an intellectual disability to determine how prepared they are for semi-independent living. It provides a holistic tool to help someone with their goal of living independently with supports by starting the conversation, identifying current skills, determining skill areas for improvement (where more learning can happen), and next steps to focus on.
Many of these skills include the ability to remain safe. These include being able to independently and safely take your medication, to respond appropriately to an emergency, being safe while using the stove or other electrical appliance, being safe walking or taking transit within your community.
https://connectability.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/STEPS-To-Independence.pdf
ReportON
ReportON is a telephone line and email address to report actual or suspected abuse or neglect of adults with a developmental disability in Ontario. https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/developmental/reportON/index.aspx
The Public Guardian and Trustee: Investigations
Presenter: Denise Hannivan, Investigator OPGT
The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (“OPGT”) delivers a unique and diverse range of services that safeguard the legal, personal and financial interests of certain private individuals and estates. Recorded at the Shared Learning Forum April 26, 2019
Teaching people with intellectual disabilities about Fire Safety
There are several things to keep in mind when teaching fire safety with people with intellectual disabilities. Resources from The National Fire Protection Association
Cell Phone Safety
A Cell phone as a Safety Device
How to use choose the right cell phone and plan, right through to purchasing and setting up the phone.
- Why is it Important to Have a Cell Phone A cell phone is a tool that can give you independence while providing you with a safety net.
- What Cell Phone is Right for You? A guide to help you choose the right phone for you
- Safety Tips When Using a Cell Phone Tips to help educate individuals in order to minimize the risks associated with cell phone use.
- Let’s Talk About Smartphone Safety & Security (Video) TELUS WISE is an educational program focused on the topic of Internet and smartphone safety/security created by TELUS.
Stories
- My Cell Phone Saved My Life Read how Kirk used his phone when he got lost.
- Why I got a Cell Phone and How it Helps Me Find out why Phyllis likes her phone.
- John’s Financial Issues When getting a cell phone it is important to take someone with you who can understand how much it is going to cost you.
Relationships, Dating and sexuality
Safety Includes Me
A six week workshop “Safety Includes Me” is a workshop that caters to women living with an intellectual disability who have experienced violence and would like to be involved in violence prevention and education work. https://connectability.ca/2010/09/28/safety-includes-me/
Dating, Sexuality & Safety – iBelong
Looking for friends is an adventure. It will mean taking risks. But there are some risks you should not take. Safety is very important. Until you get to know people well, there are some things you should do to make sure you stay safe. http://www.ibelong.ca/index.php/young-adults/safety/
Human Trafficking
Domestic Sex Trafficking of Youth: Trauma-Informed Prevention and Intervention.
Human Trafficking Resource Directory
A list of all resources available to survivors of Human Trafficking. Directory
Online Safety and Social Media
Being Safe While Using the Internet
A workshop providing tips when using the internet, including how to stay safe on the Internet, how to communicate online, using online gaming and safely using adult content on the Internet.
- Email and Online Communication Tips for communicating online (email, chat, Skype, texting etc.)
- The Do’s and Don’ts of Staying Safe on the Internet One of the best ways to stay safe is to maintain an ongoing open dialogue about what you are doing on the internet with someone you trust.
- Adult Content and the Internet We live in a world where movies, television, music videos and magazines not only provide us with hours of enjoyable entertainment but they can also expose us to countless images of sex and violence.
- Online Gaming Online gaming can be a fun hobby.
- I can be safe online was created by Community Living BC (CLBC) for adults living with developmental disabilities to learn how to be safe online. Learn more about staying safe online by watching the videos, reading the tips, checking out the blog and taking the quiz.
Social Media
- How to successfully use Connected Families and other social media in your Community based organization – It is important to embrace social media as one of a number of tools to include in your communication tool box. There are a number of ways that social media can improve how quickly and how well you provide support.
- Connected Families (online chat forums)
A meeting place for you to connect with others. It is a private area of the site where you can share your story or ideas with the community. Register to become a member. All we ask for is your name and email address and we’ll email you a password. For more information on how to sign up and use Connected Families. - About that first Tweet – A practical guide to SocialMedia for Charities & SocialEnterprises. Source: Social Misfits Media
- Something to Tweet About – How charities & socialenterprises can create great socialmedia content. Source: Social Misfits Media
- How to support someone in using social media safely – Ways in which you can help ensure individuals with intellectual disabilities are using the social media in a safe manner
- Keeping the ME in Media, social media tips – Thoughts, Ideas and Tips for Supporting People with Intellectual Disabilities to Use Social Media. Source: Vita Community Services
- How to use Social Media to keep relationships going – Social media is a great way to keep in touch with people you may otherwise not see regularly.
Social Media Policy: Protecting Your Organization & Your Staff
The Footprint Challenge by TELUS
TELUS WISE footprint challenge was created to provide tweens and teens a fun and engaging way to learn about their digital footprint and how to keep it clean. There are 3 short videos providing tips followed by a quiz: Make a good impression, Do the right thing and Keep safe. There are also 4 comic strips providing tips on respectful and safe use of the internet. The user will need to create an account and log in to use the Footprint Challenge.