Human Trafficking and Individuals with Developmental Disability
Pat Stephens, MEd & Steve Mentrek, MA | September 22 | 1:45-2:45 pm
Topic: Direct Service | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
The goal of this presentation is to assist with awareness and understanding human trafficking when working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities (DD). The session will cover DD individuals’ risk factors and why they are so vulnerable. The presenters will share stories about experiences with this population who have been trafficked, how to report, how to recognize the signs, and how to support individuals and families if they experienced human trafficking. The session will also cover some labor trafficking stories in order to protect the DD population from employers who have immoral practices. Attendees will take away how DD individuals’ vulnerabilities have made them targets in the United States and abroad. Finally, the presenters will share resources to assist the DD individuals and the general population about human trafficking.
Presentation Objectives:
· Discuss the risk factors and vulnerabilities for the DD population
· Describe how DD systems need to work together for positive outcomes of the victim
· Explain the importance of why the Developmental and Learning Disabled population need to learn about trafficking in order to prevent victimization