Disability Inclusion in Child Protection and Gender-Based Violence Programs

Women's Refugee Commission
1

TOOL 4: ACTION PLANNING – ADDRESSING BARRIERS TO CARE FOR SURVIVORS WITH DISABILITIES

Many GBV survivors face barriers to accessing services and achieving their goals. However, the barriers survivors with disabilities face are often unique and require a highly collaborative and often creative process between the case worker and the survivor. Below is a sample tool that case workers can use to address barriers to care. This tool is not designed to replace current action planning documents, but instead to help case workers think through actions and strategies to minimize or remove barrier encountered throughout the case management process.

2

Sample Plan for Addressing Disability Specific Barriers to Care

* Example for a client with physical disability *

Desired Goal Potential Barriers Related to Disability Possible Strategies for Reducing Barriers Who When
Client would like to attend the next vocational training session at the local SDC in order to meet more people from her community and learn a new skill. Vocational training sessions are held on 2 nd floor with no elevator (e.g. environmental barrier) Case worker can try to talk with SDC Director about options for relocation the classroom to a ground floor – if not possible then client has stated that she would like to have support from staff to help her up two flights of stairs. Case worker will talk with SDC staff to see if they are able to assist. Case Worker In One Week
Family caregiver is very protective and may not support this goal (e.g. attitudinal barrier) Case worker invites the family caregiver to a psycho-education session to talk through the potential benefits to the client if they participate in the training. Client would like to be present for this session. Case Worker will also listen family caregiver to hear their concerns and develop a plan to reduce any potential risks that they identified. Client, Case Worker & Caregiver Next session – one week
Vocational Training Teacher has never had a person with a disability in the class and client is fearful she will not be accepted (e.g attitudinal and potentially environmental barrier) Case worker will meet with vocational training teacher in advance to discuss any accommodations that may need to be made in the room. In the event that there is resistance from the teacher, the Case Worker will advocate to the teacher, educating them on the rights of her client to attend all offered activities. Case Worker Two Weeks