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The Reality

People with disabilities combined with severe speech disorders are 2-6 times more likely to experience physical, mental and sexual abuse as a result of their inability to communicate effectively. (Sobsey, 1994)

Without access to the means to communicate about safety, rights and abuse, people who use AAC cannot discuss, learn about, disclose or report issues. (Farrar, 1996)

Research tells us that most abuse happens where the person lives and that most offendersare known to the individual and usually in positions of care and trust. (Brown & Mirenda, 1997)

The majority of participants in the Ontario Speak Up project (2001-2004), experienced a range of abuses; had no way to communicate about these experiences; lacked information to make informed decisions and could not access health, social and justice services within their communities. (Collier, 2006)