Impact of a Self-Defense Training on Students with Disabilities

People with disabilities experience significantly more violence than their non-disabled peers. ICH partnered with IMPACT Boston, a division of Triangle, Inc., and the Boston Public Schools to collaboratively study IMPACT:Ability, an extensive self-defense training for students with disabilities. Using participatory research methods adapted to the needs of special education students, ICH demonstrated that IMPACT:Ability empowers students and increases their sense of safety, and published the research study in a peer-reviewed journal.  As a result of ICH’s research findings, the Boston Public Schools has made IMPACT:Ability available to all eligible students enrolled in special education.