Peace House, along with Maker Union, Bridge 21, and the National Ability Center, on Thursday will host an empowerment fair focused on addressing the safety needs of the disabled and neurodiverse community.
The event will be held at Maker Union, located at 1912 Sidewinder Dr. from 4-6 p.m.
Held during March, which is recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the event highlights the importance of well-being, safety and healthy relationships for individuals with disabilities.
“This month reminds us that individuals with developmental disabilities are valuable members of our communities and deserve full participation in all aspects of life, including education, employment, recreation and civic engagement,” says the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities.
The meeting will feature a panel discussion hosting two representatives from the Utah Parent Center, an organization based in Salt Lake City that supports children, youth and young adults with disabilities and special health-care needs.
These guests specialize in teaching healthy relationships and lead a multi-week course covering various related topics, said Erin Meotell, prevention coordinator at Peace House.
Additionally, a representative from Adult Protective Services will address questions regarding mandatory reporting, Meotell said, emphasizing that all individuals over the age of 18 are mandatory reporters, including in cases involving vulnerable adults and the elderly.
The panel is also expected to include a representative from the Park City Police Department, along with other experts in public safety and accessibility, such as those in emergency response and transportation services.
A social time with local police and fire department personnel is scheduled to give attendees the chance to interact and become familiar with these first responders.
“We want to make sure that this community knows that if they need help, they know the best way to contact these organizations and know how to keep themselves safe,” she said.
Individuals with disabilities experience higher rates of violence compared to those without disabilities, said Meottel. This violence can be physical, sexual, emotional or psychological, and at the same time these people often have far less knowledge on reporting these types of crimes.
“Our mission at Peace House is to prevent violence and interpersonal violence, and we strive to ensure our outreach includes the entire community,” she said, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the neurodiverse community is aware of how to seek help, connect with relevant organizations, and take steps to keep themselves safe.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and be an advocate for their own safety. In their homes, in their communities where they work, where they go to school,” said Meottel. “I think sometimes it can be hard to stand up for yourself or to speak out if you don’t know how to do that or where to go to do that.”
No registration is required, and the event is open to anyone, especially those within the neurodiverse community, as well as individuals who work with this population and want to learn more about safety and effective ways to support and protect them.