Domestic Violence Accessible Shelter Spotlight: Freedom House
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Barrier Free Living’s programs and services have evolved over the years to meet the needs of its clients. Freedom House now offers 106 beds and an array of support services, including sexual assault counseling, a family center, and an occupational therapy program that teaches daily living skills ranging from cooking to navigating local buses and subways. A nurse and psychiatrist are onsite, staff is trained in American Sign Language, and a partnership with local legal services.
For its efforts, the organization has earned local and national accolades, including the 2022 Award for Professional Innovation in Victim Services from the Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) at the Department of Justice. Announcing the award, OVC praised Barrier Free Living’s “ability to provide effective responses to underserved populations and produce systematic change through advocacy.”
But its work is not done yet. Amodeo is frequently invited to speak at domestic violence and trauma conferences across the country where she spotlights the high rates of abuse faced by people with disabilities alongside the lack of services and supports available to them. As she urges organizations to build new partnerships with local disability organizations and create policies and procedures that welcome, rather than discourage, inclusion, Amodeo is cautiously optimistic that widespread change is possible.
“People are talking more about disability compared to 20 years ago,” she says. “They are curious. They're asking questions. They want to know more. Is the service provision where we want it to be? No, absolutely not. We still have a long way to go. But at least the conversation is being started.”
For more information about Freedom House and Barrier Free Living, visit its website at https://www.bflnyc.org/
The Reeve Foundation Quality of Life Grants Program provides funding to organizations seeking to improve access and services for people with paralysis, including shelters that serve survivors of domestic violence. For more information, visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org/QOL.