Children with disabilities experience abuse at much higher rates than typically developing children. This webcast will explore practical strategies that parents and professionals can use to promote abuse prevention and foster healthy relationships for all children, especially those with disabilities. We will discuss some of the reasons why abuse exists at such high rates, how abuse differs, and what to do if someone discloses an unhealthy relationship.

Molly is part of the VCU Partnership for People with Disabilities, a university center for excellence in developmental disabilities. She earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from SUNY Buffalo and began her career as a special educator for children with significant support needs and autism. Molly coordinates the Positive Behavior Support Project and was endorsed as a facilitator of Positive Behavior Support in 2007. She co-leads Home and Community PBS, a network of the International Association of PBS. For the past 15 years, she has coordinated and directed three projects that assist children and adults with disabilities with issues surrounding violence, abuse, sexual assault, and neglect. Together with a team of families and professionals, she helped to develop and research LEAP: Leadership for Empowerment and Abuse Prevention, an evidence-based intervention for adults with IDD. In addition to published academic journals, Molly is a regular contributor to Parenting Special Needs Magazine. Molly is a certified trainer for Person-Centered Thinking and Stewards of Children. Her goal is to help everyone enjoy healthy relationships.