People with disabilities are victimized at staggering rates. Despite the disproportionate number of people with disabilities who are crime victims, crimes against them are under-investigated and under-prosecuted. The presenters, drawing from their daily practice, will share concrete examples of the barriers their clients face and articulate strategies for overcoming these. Attendees will learn about how disability rights and crime victims’ rights complement each other; and how to holistically assess the needs of crime victims to ensure that those with disabilities can be best served.

Presenters:

Beth Brownhill has served clients with disabilities in both private legal practice and nonprofit law firms since 2002. At Disability Rights Oregon's Crime Survivor Project, she leads a team that works to promote empowerment and justice for people with disabilities who are survivors of crime. The Crime Survivor Project advocates and attorneys help to ensure survivors receive the information and support, advocacy, and legal services to move forward, find justice, and obtain safety and stability.

Alison Wilkinson has been working in the field of victims’ rights since 2009. She is a staff attorney at Disability Rights Oregon under its VOCA-funded Crime Survivor Project. Her work there focuses on providing direct services to people with disabilities who are victims of crime, and ensuring they receive the information, support, advocacy and legal services they need to obtain justice, safety and stability.

American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services will be provided for this training. 

CLE Accreditation:

An application will be submitted to the Oregon State Bar for 1.5 general CLE credits. Once approved in Oregon, this program will be approved for 1.5 general CLE credits with the State Bar of California; NCVLI is an approved CA multiple activity provider. The training may be eligible for CLE credit in other states; a certificate of attendance will be available after the program.