Crime Prevention for People with Disabilities

CRIME PREVENTION

FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

A Physical disability - impaired vision, hearing, or mobility - Doesn’t prevent you from being a victim of crime. Common sense actions can reduce your risk.

Stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings, whether on the street, in an office building or shopping mall, driving, or waiting for the bus or train.
Send a message that you’re calm, confident, and know where you’re going.
Be realistic about your limitations. Avoid places or situations that put you at risk.
Know the neighborhood where you live and work. Check out the locations of police and fire stations, public telephones, hospitals, restaurants, or stores that are open and accessible.
Avoid establishing predictable activity patterns. Most of us have daily routines, but never varying them may increase your vulnerability to crime.

AT HOME:

Put good locks on all your doors such as double-cylinder, deadbolt locks; make sure you can easily use the locks you install.
Install peepholes on front and back doors at your eye level. This is especially important if you use a wheelchair.
Get to know your neighbors. Watchful neighbors who look out for you as well as themselves are a frontline defense against crime.
If you have difficulty speaking, have a friend record a message – giving your name, address, and type of disability to use in emergencies. Keep the tape next to your phone.
Ask for a free home security survey to help identify your individual needs. Call 732/ 669-3612 for more information.

OUT AND ABOUT:

If possible, go with a friend.
Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through vacant lots, wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys.
Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket. If you use a wheelchair, keep your purse or wallet tucked snugly between you and the inside of the chair.
If you use a knapsack, make sure it is securely shut.
Always carry your medical information in case of an emergency.
Consider keeping a cellular phone handy.

ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

Use well-lighted, busy stops. Stay near other passengers.
Stay alert. Don’t doze or daydream.
If someone harasses 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!

Join, or help organize, a Neighborhood Watch group. Make sure their meetings are accessible to people with disabilities. For example, do they need a sign language interpreter? Can individuals who use walkers, crutches, or wheelchairs enter the meeting place?
Work with local law enforcement to improve responses to all victims or witnesses of crime. Role-play how people with disabilities can handle threatening situations.
Work with a rehabilitation center or advocacy groups t 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 20507

800/ 669-3362

800-800-3302 TDD

National Easter Seal Society

240 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1800

Chicago, IL 60606-4802

800/ 221-6827

312/ 726-6200

312/ 726-4258 TDD