People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at a high risk of co-occurring mental health conditions, but this serious issue is often overlooked and misunderstood. This brief guide provides basic information about IDD and tips officers can use to increase effective communication, de-escalate situations, and increase everyone's safety.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at a high risk of co-occurring mental health conditions, but this serious issue is often overlooked and misunderstood. Read our fact sheet about signs to look for and ways you can help.

In this three-minute video, you will hear from people with disabilities, family members, and police officers about the importance of police disability awareness training. Training can help officers recognize people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and ensure effective and respectful interactions.

In this video, T.J. talks about his fear of interacting with the police as a black man with a disability. Misunderstandings can become issues of life and death. Hear first-hand the level of fear that exists among people in the disability community. Learn why police disability awareness training is so important.

“Are you sure you’ve been sexually assaulted?” Because of her disability, police officers didn’t listen and believe Kecia’s report of a sexual assault. In this video, Kecia recalls her experience and what it took for the police to believe her. Learn why police disability awareness training is so important.