A project to develop and field test a DVD to provide training in the implementation of the ESCAPE-DD curriculum has recently been completed. This project is the culmination of a series of studies designed to address the vulnerability of individuals with developmental disabilities to verbal, physical, and sexual assault and abuse. Past studies have indicated that, not only are they are heightened risk for abuse, but also they are less likely to report abuse, and less likely to be believed or assisted in obtaining their rights.

In the current project, which builds upon the work of previous projects, we addressed the need for an intensive and sustainable form of training in the use of the ESCAPE-DD curriculum. The aims of this most recent project included:

• development of a training DVD to provide staff and self-advocates with an intensive tutorial on how to effectively implement the ESCAPE-DD curriculum,
• maintenance and expansion of a project listserv to provide consultation and technical support to trainees on an ongoing basis,
• evaluation and field-testing of the training DVD, and
• production and dissemination of the DVD training package to service providers.