CRIME PREVENTION

FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES=

Aphysical disability—impaired vision, hearing, or mobility—doesn’t prevent you from being a victim of crime. Common sense actions can reduce y= our risk.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Stay alert and tu= ned in to your surroundings, whether on the street, in an office building or shopp= ing mall, driving, or waiting for the bus or subway.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Send a message th= at you’re calm, confident, and know where you’re going.=

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Be realistic abou= t your limitations. Avoid places or situations that put you at risk.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Know the neighbor= hood where you live and work. Check out the locations of police and fire station= s, public telephones, hospitals, restaurants, or stores that are open and accessible.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Avoid establishing predictable activity patterns. Most of us have daily routines, but never varying them may increase your vulnerability to crime

At Home

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Put good locks on= all your doors. Police recommend double-cylinder, deadbolt locks, but make sure= you can easily use the locks you install.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Install peepholes= on front and back doors at your eye level. This is especially important if you= use a wheelchair.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Get to know your neighbors. Watchful neighbors who look out for you as well as themselves ar= e a frontline defense against crime.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> If you have diffi= culty speaking, have a friend record a message—giving your name, address, a= nd type of disability to use in emergencies. Keep the tape in a recorder next = to your phone.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Ask your police department to conduct a free home security survey to help identify your individual needs.

Out and About

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> If possible, go w= ith a friend.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Stick to well-lig= hted, well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through vacant lots, wooded areas, p= arking lots, or alleys.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Let someone know = where you are going and when you expect to return.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Carry a purse clo= se to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or fr= ont pants pocket. If you use a wheelchair, keep your purse or wallet tucked snu= gly between you and the inside of the chair.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> If you use a knap= sack, make sure it is securely shut.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Always carry your medical information in case of an emergency.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Consider keeping a cellular phone or installing a CB radio in your vehicle.<= /p>

On Public Transportation<= /o:p>

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Use well-lighted,= busy stops. Stay near other passengers.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Stay alert. Don&#= 8217;t doze or daydream.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> If someone harass= es you, make a loud noise or say “Leave me alone.” If that doesn’t work, hit the emergency signal on the bus or train.

Take a Stand!

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Join, or help org= anize, a Neighborhood Watch group. Make sure their meetings are accessible to peop= le with disabilities. For example, do they need a sign language interpreter? Can individuals who use walkers, crutches, or wheelchairs enter the meeting place?

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Work with local l= aw enforcement to improve responses to all victims or witnesses of crime. Role-play how people with disabili= ties can handle threatening situations.

◗<= span style=3D'font-size:9.0pt;font-family:AdobePiStd;mso-bidi-font-family:AdobeP= iStd'> Work with a rehabilitation center or advocacy groups to offer a presentation to schools and other community organizations on the needs and concerns of individuals with disabilities.

Resources

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

1801 L Street,NW

Washington, DC 205= 07

800-669-3362<= /o:p>

800-800-3302 TDD

202-633-4900<= /o:p>

202-633-4494 TDD

<= /span>

National Easter Se= al Society

240 W. Monroe Stre= et, Suite 1800

Chicago, IL 60606-= 4802

800-221-6827<= /o:p>

312-726-6200<= /o:p>

312-26-4258 TDD

<= /span>

Paralyzed Veterans= of America

801 18th Street,NW

Washington, DC 200= 06

800-424-8200<= /o:p>

202-872-1300<= /o:p>

<= /span>

United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc.

1660 L Street,NW, Suite 760<= /o:p>

Washington, DC 200= 36

800-USA-5UCP V/TT<= o:p>

202-842-1266 V/TT<= o:p>