The Agency for Persons with Disabilities’ (APD) commitment to the awareness and prevention of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of those with developmental and intellectual disabilities is and has always been a top priority. Because we serve such a vulnerable population, abuse and its prevention has been a key focus for us. APD has a Zero Tolerance campaign to increase awareness and knowledge of how to prevent these horrendous actions. This campaign was launched in May to coincide with Adult Abuse Prevention Month and provides information on the signs and symptoms of abuse, ways to prevent abuse, and the proper steps to take when reporting abuse.
Abuse, neglect, and exploitation can often go undetected in many settings. It cannot only occur in a professional care setting such as a group home or school, but it can also happen in a more personal, familiar setting such as one’s own home or the home of family or friends.
APD has launched a social media campaign of tips every Tuesday utilizing the hashtag #SafetyTipTuesday on how to promote safety of those vulnerable to abuse, how to recognize warning signs, and how to proceed with proper actions. Be sure to follow our Facebook and Twitter pages to see these weekly posts.
Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities 