IMPACT Boston

Safety Programs for Everybody

Ability:IMPACT Programs equip people with disabilities with the skills and confidence to navigate the world safely — from recognizing and responding to physical threats, to building healthy relationships, to staying safe online. Through evidence-based, adaptive curricula, participants learn self-defense, self-advocacy, consent, and digital literacy in formats designed specifically for their needs.

ability

Self-Defense

The Ability:IMPACT Self-Defense curriculum (formerly called IMPACT:Ability) teaches people with disabilities to recognize unsafe situations and respond with effective self-protection. The full curriculum is 10 sessions, and can be adapted to different topics, including the classroom, the workplace, and public transportation.

Self-Defense Topics:

  • Refusing unwanted help or attention while commuting on public transportation.
  • Deflecting and escaping a bullying situation.
  • Assertive communication and self-advocacy.
  • Resisting inappropriate sexual touch from a caregiver or adult, including workplace sexual harassment.
  • Resisting attempted sexual assault by a dating partner or peer.
  • Effective communication and conflict resolution in the workplace.
  • Adaptive physical self-protection skills.

IMPACT:Ability is evidence-based. An independent evaluation conducted by the Institute for Community Health found that the program increased Boston Public Schools Students’ knowledge, self-confidence and self-protective behaviors. One-year follow-up evaluation found that many of these gains were maintained.

Evaluation Research: The Effectiveness of Ability:IMPACT,