Presenters will provide a look into the Adult Advocacy Centers (AACs). The Adult Advocacy Centers are the first centers that will be equipped to provide holistic, accessible, and trauma-informed services to adult crime victims with disabilities in a universal and multi-sensory environment. The AACs will work in partnership with state, regional, and community agencies to coordinate a response that promotes the safety and well-being of all individuals. To provide these services, the AACs will facilitate multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) within local communities. A deeper look into this unique approach to victim services will assist participates in understanding best practices for survivors.
Katherine Yoder co-authored the Project FIND Advanced & Adapted protocols for individuals with disabilities. She is a certified forensic interviewer and has been an advocate for people with disabilities for 20 years.
Adonna Wilson-Baney is a certified forensic interviewer and has over 32 years of experience advocating for people with disabilities. She is currently serving on the National Human Trafficking & Disabilities Working Group and Ohio’s human trafficking legislative workgroup. Adonna holds a MPA from Franklin University.
Susan Kahan provides consultation and training for law enforcement, child protection agencies, disability agencies, and mental health professionals on disability-related topics including law enforcement and disability, sexual abuse, human trafficking, and trauma. Susan is a certified forensic interviewer and works as a clinical therapist at University of Illinois at Chicago.