S2: Self-Care for Survivors with Disabilities, the companion to R3 (Recognize, Report, Respond), is a groundbreaking app designed in collaboration with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), with a special focus on supporting survivors of abuse.
S2 emulates the self-care practices championed by the Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission’s (MA DPPC) Peer Support Leaders—individuals with I/DD who work directly in the community to support and empower survivors of sexual abuse. S2 was developed by the ASSET Lab at the University of Rhode Island in collaboration with Tina-Marie Ranalli, PhD for the MA DPPC, with direct input from individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities
The app features engaging avatar sidekicks like Patty Q, a seasoned Peer Support Leader, who interacts with users during self-care activities, offering the same kind of support and encouragement that Peer Support Leaders provide in person.
S2: Self-Care for Survivors with Disabilities offers a wide array of features tailored to promote holistic well-being:
• Art Room: Create and personalize touch-to-fill templates that reflect unique styles.
• Feelings Room: Track and embrace emotions with playful emoji representations that can become part of a personal calendar.
• Positive Thoughts Room: Uplift your mindset with affirmations and mantras designed to inspire.
• Music Room: Explore guided meditations and soothing soundscapes, featuring contributions from talented individuals with I/DD.
• Activity Room: Enjoy captivating music videos by individuals with I/DD cover artists or relax in The Zen Zone’s neurodiversity-informed mindfulness sessions.
• Game Room: Engage in a cause-and-effect game with uplifting imagery.
S2 is a beacon of empowerment and inclusivity, demonstrating how technology can support the well-being of individuals with I/DD.
Download S2: Self-Care for Survivors with Disabilities today and embark on a journey of empowerment, inclusivity, and self-discovery.
For feedback or to report any issues, please contact DPPCapps@mass.gov.
To report an allegation of abuse of a person with disabilities in Massachusetts, call the DPPC’s hotline at 800-426-9009 or TTY 711.
This project was supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award under American Rescue Plan for APS under SSA Title XX Section 2042(b) Grant No.: 2101MAAPC6-00 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS or the U.S. Government.