Cummings Foundation Supports Safety Program for Stoneham Students with Disabilities

Stoneham, MA - Disability and inclusion organization, Triangle, is proud to announce the 2016 graduates of Triangle’s abuse prevention program, IMPACT: Ability, from Stoneham High School.

Disproportionately high rates of abuse, violence, and bullying are among the most significant barriers to success that people with disabilities face. Studies consistently show that people with disabilities are abused at rates far greater than those without disabilities. IMPACT:Ability aims to reduce those numbers by giving students with disabilities the tools they need to lead safe and productive lives.

With the generous support of the Cummings Foundation, instructors from IMPACT:Ability have been working with special education students at Stoneham High School teaching self-defense techniques that are designed specifically to the students’ needs. These techniques include: hands-on self-protection skills; how to report unsafe situations to trusted adults; how to use their assistive technology and communication devices to alert others to potential danger and, for those individuals who are nonverbal, ways of communicating about these issues to paraprofessionals and other trusted adults. “Having IMPACT come to our class was a wonderful experience,” said Stoneham High School Transition Specialist, Allison Capuano, “Our students truly benefited from the program and the instructors were great.”

“When you don’t feel safe, it’s difficult to carry out normal everyday tasks, like going to school, taking the bus, or even asking for help,” said IMPACT:Ability Executive Director, Meg Stone, “The IMPACT:Ability program is an effective way to give students with disabilities the tools they need to stay safe. We are grateful to the Cummings Foundation for making it possible to bring this program to Stoneham.”

Graduating IMPACT:Ability students at Stoneham High School were celebrated for their completion at a graduation ceremony on March 29, 2016 at the high school.

For more information about IMPACT:Ability and the graduation at Medford High School, please contact Meg Stone at (781)-388-4337 or mstone@triangle-inc.org.

About Triangle – Since 1971 Triangle has provided the support, challenge, and opportunity people with disabilities need to move forward towards more independent, dignified lives. This past year Triangle provided innovative career skills, abuse prevention, and leadership development services for over 3,500 people with disabilities from more than 115 southern New England communities.