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Our Mission
The Arc of Aurora (CO) advocates for and with people with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities and their families through individual and systems change advocacy, training and education, and individual, family and class support.
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Happy Spring (well, SOME days it is spring here in Colorado; other days are still winter...) --
March is national Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and The Arc of Aurora wants to use that designation to remind us of a few statistics that have and continue to, no doubt, motivate all of us in our work impacting the victimization of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD):
- 97-99% of abusers are known and trusted by the victim who has I/DD;
- 83% of women with developmental disabilities have been sexually abused;
- 67% of perpetrators who abused individuals with severe cognitive disabilities accessed them through their work in disability services.
The numbers are staggering ... but so is the impact of our work, one victim at at time. Keep it up!
Jean Solis
VTrail Update editor
The Arc of Aurora (CO)
jsarcaurora@aol.com
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Opportunities
(events/activities to increase and/or support our skills in identifying and working with crime victims with I/DD in our communities)
The National Center for Victims of Crime's 2014 National Training Institute will be September 17-19, 2014, in Miami, Florida, and the agenda has been announced. The National Victim Assistance Academy's new online 2014 NVAA Leadership Institute is accepting applicants. This comprehensive training covers essential skills you need to guide, motivate, and support your staff to achieve your organization's mission and vision. - No costs to attend. - Instructors are nationally recognized leaders in the leadership and victim services fields. - 10 online sessions held over 10 weeks. - Interact with other victim service providers. - Become an effective leader.
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Resources(tools to help us in our work to address crime victimization of people with I/DD in our communities)
AEquitas is a federally funded organization and a leader in the field of prosecution that can assist with cutting-edge resources. Its Attorney Advisors are available to assist 24/7. Do you need help researching case law in your jurisdiction? Is your victim unavailable? Do you need an expert? AEquitas can help develop strategies to overcome these obstacles and build your case. Call (202) 558-0040 or email info@aequitasresouce.org.
Summary Of Laws & Guidelines: Payment of Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations
This report presents the findings of a survey of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Territories, in order to determine the content of their laws and guidelines that relate to payment for sexual assault forensic examinations (SAFEs) following an assault, as well as payment for additional medical treatment for victims' physical and emotional harms.
New Justice Project Launches Resource Website
The National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability (NCCJD) announces the launch of its new website. 
NCCJD is a national clearinghouse on criminal justice and disabilities, funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (U.S. Department of Justice). NCCJD is unique to other resources because it covers both victim and suspect/offender issues in one location, empowering criminal justice and disability advocates with the information and tools they need to provide meaningful support for people with disabilities in the criminal justice system.
Rape and Sexual Assault Analyses and Laws
This report presents provisions of rape and sexual assault laws in the 50 States, U.S. Territories, U.S. Military, and Federal jurisdictions.
Fact Sheet: Getting an FASD Diagnosis
Because most people with FASD have no visible signs of alcohol exposure, their problems may be  wrongly blamed on poor parenting or on other disorders. Early diagnosis and intervention contribute to positive long-term outcomes. Accurate diagnosis can:
- Help the person receive appropriate services,
- Aid communication among clinicians, caregivers, educators, and families, and
- Provide better self-awareness and understanding by family members.
Online Course on Emergency Management and People with Disabilities
The Federal Emergency Management Agency  (FEMA) in the Department for Homeland Security has developed an on-line course designed to raise awareness among disaster staff of the need for full inclusion of people with disabilities in disaster operations. The interactive course, entitled "Including People with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs in Disaster Operations," provides an overview of disabilities and access and functional needs and explains how disaster staff can apply inclusive practices in their disaster assignments.
Prosecutor's Reference - Medical Evidence and the Role of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners in Cases Involving Adult Victims
Although SANEs can provide essential information to law enforcement, prosecution, and advocacy partners, the role of the SANE is by definition independent and objective, with priorities defined by the patient's needs, rather than the investigation of the reported sexual assault. A SANE is essentially a healthcare specialist with distinctive knowledge and training in responding to patients presenting as sexual assault victims. SANEs who adhere to a health care approach increase the likelihood that a patient's statements will be admissible into evidence under the Federal Rules of Evidence...
Bureau of Justice Statistics report shows persons age 12 or older who had disabilities experienced 1.3 million nonfatal violent crimes in 2012
The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) has released a report on Crime Against Persons with Disabilities, 2009-2012 - Statistical Tables (NCJ 244525). The report presents estimates of nonfatal violent victimization (rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated and simple assault) against persons age 12 or older with disabilities from 2009 to 2012. Details.
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Articles
(Abuse of people with I/DD occurs throughout the country, including in our own communities...)
'Felonious neglect': Coroner appalled at Belleville man's horrible condition
St. Clair County Coroner Rick Stone said it's the worst case of neglect he's seen in his 40 years in law enforcement. The 52 year old victim was blind and had other mental and physical disabilities. He weighed 60 pounds when he was found dead curled in a fetal position in the bedroom of a Belleville home on March 11. ILLINOIS (Belleville), BND, March 22, 2014
Couple sentenced for abuse of daughter with Down Syndrome
A Carroll County judge sentenced a couple Monday for abusing, neglecting and exploiting their adult daughter who has Down Syndrome. Carroll County Circuit Judge Stephen L. Bates sentenced Billy Ray Mertz, 46, to 10 years in prison as part of a plea agreement for the charges of knowingly abusing and neglecting an adult and knowingly exploiting an adult resulting in a total loss of more than $300, both Class C felonies. KENTUCKY (Carroll County), Madison Courier, March 18, 2014
Man gets prison time for hitting vulnerable adult
A Baltimore County man was sentenced Monday for hitting a vulnerable adult in his care during a December 2012 incident at an Owings Mills medical office. Ronald Barnes, 54, of Lochearn, will serve 90 days at the Baltimore County Detention Center after his conviction on second-degree assault charges in February. MARYLAND (Baltimore County), WBALTV, March 24, 2014
Caregivers accused of abuses
A Fearing Township man who is the caregiver for two siblings with developmental disabilities is being accused of encouraging his brother to assault his sister, along with other abuse and neglect. He was arrested Tuesday along with his wife, who reportedly supervised the beatings. OHIO (Fearing Township), The Marietta Times, March 20, 2014
In St. Mary's, Two Female Teens Charged with Sexually Abusing Disabled 16-year-old Boy
Two female teenagers in St. Mary's County have been charged with abusing a 16-year-old boy who police said had "diminished mental capacity." --- Washington Post --- March 12, 2014 (MARYLAND) http://is.gd/6eih0T
Lake Park Mayor Agrees to Plead Guilty to Charges He Stole from Sister Who Has Down's Syndrome
The mayor of Lake Park has agreed to plead guilty to stealing thousands of dollars from his sister, a Down's syndrome patient in ... --- In-Forum --- March 11, 2014 (MINNESOTA) http://is.gd/bIhvPz
Ex-special Needs Counselor Accused of Violating Probation after Having Oral Sex in Group Home
Markeem Chaplin was spared state prison for 10 years of probation after pleading guilty to criminal sexual act involving a 16-year-old group home ... --- The Post-Standard --- March 12, 2014 (NEW YORK) http://is.gd/wH2QOX
Update: You are probably well aware that the EEOC and local attorneys represented 32 men with intellectual disabilities who were enslaved, exploited, abused, and neglected for 4 decades in Iowa by Henry's Turkey Services. The men were awarded $240 million in 2013 by an Iowa jury for those injustices. New York Times' columnist Dan Berry invested several months working with those local attorneys and the victims investigating the "back drop" so he could tell their story. On
Sunday, March 9, 2014, the New York Times ran the story in a 3 page print. In addition, videos and a 30 minute documentary accompany the online article.
Loudon mother charged with attempting to kill disabled adult son
A Loudon County woman has been charged with attempting to kill her mentally and physically disabled son. Loudon Police Department officers answered a report of an attempted murder/suicide, according to Detective Brian Jenkins, and found the 24-year-old man with a cut to his left wrist. VIRGINIA (Loudoun County), Johnson City Press, March 10, 2014
Social Security Ups Disability Safeguards
The Social Security Administration is taking new steps to bar criminals from collecting benefits on behalf of those with disabilities who are unable to manage their own finances.
Supreme Court Considers Role Of IQ In Intellectual Disability
In oral arguments March 3, the U.S. Supreme Court took up the issue of whether states can establish a hard-and-fast IQ score to determine if a person has intellectual disability.
State fights back against abuse of disabled adults
The beating of Prince Bradley is one of 611 documented cases of abuse, neglect or exploitation of people with intellectual disabilities receiving state-funded care in 2013 - a year in which the department provided services to 8,771 individuals either directly or through private contractors. State officials say the large number of substantiated cases is, in part, a result of high standards. The state goes farther than others in its requirement to report and investigate even seemingly minor incidents that result in no direct harm, Theresa Sloan said. TENNESSEE, WBIR, February 27, 2014
Friend defends couple accused of beating mentally-challenged man Louisville Metro Police say an Auburndale neighborhood man and his wife became so upset with her grown, mentally-challenged son that the two of them tied him up and beat him with a belt. Detectives arrested Chris and Vickie Battle on February 21 after the victims caregiver called Adult Protective Services and reported suspicions of abuse. KENTUCKY (Louisville), WAVE 3 News, February 24, 2014 Baltimore Co caregiver convicted of assaulting A caregiver at Baltimore County care agency for individuals with disabilities has been convicted of assaulting a 63-year-old vulnerable adult. Ronald G. Barnes, 54, of Lochearn was convicted of Assault in the Second Degree following a two-day jury trial in the Circuit Court for Baltimore County. MARYLAND (Baltimore County), Fox 45, February 25, 2014 Pangborn sentenced in BSDC abuse case The last of five former Beatrice State Developmental Center employees convicted of abusing mentally handicapped clients was sentenced in court Wednesday. Former employee Matthew Pangborn was sentenced to 112-180 months, roughly 9-15 years, in prison. Last month, Pangborn was found guilty of five charges related to abusing vulnerable adults beginning in May, 2011. NEBRASKA (Beatrice), Beatrice Daily Sun, February 26, 2014
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The Arc of Aurora
1342 South Chambers Road
Aurora, CO 80017
720.213.1420
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members and other forensic nurses from around the world who might otherwise be unable to attend the organization's annual