They have encouraged the chapters to contact their State Councils on Developmental Disabilities to establish working relationships. A similar letter was sent to each of the State Councils. In the past five years, awareness of the problem of abuse and neglect of children with disabilities has begun to increase. It is important to foster greater awareness of this issue. This can be done through comprehensive public awareness campaigns by adding a few critical facts to the generic child abuse awareness campaigns.
Child abuse happens to children with disabilities.
Child abuse and neglect can cause disabilities. Children with disabilities can resist abuse attempts when given information and skills development training. Parents of children with disabilities can learn to distinguish signs of abuse and disability related problems. Children with disabilities are competent to communicate their abuse experience. Children with disabilities can be acknowledged as credible witnesses to their own experience.