“A Rural Perspective: Serving Survivors of DV/SA with Disabilities in 
Rural Communities” 
End Abuse of People with Disabilities Webinar Discussion Guide 
Presenters: Kimberly Sparks, Healing Program Grant Manager, Mountain 
Comprehensive Care Center 

This guide is an invitation to have a discussion about the content discussed in the 
End Abuse of People with Disabilities webinar to help you engage with the 
material. If you have questions or concerns, please email Ashley Brompton at 
abrompton@vera.org. 

A Note on Self-Care 

We recognize that many of the topics discussed in our webinars, and the 
accompanying discussion guides, may be difficult and/or triggering. We ask you to 
practice self-care. Here are some suggestions for practicing self-care when 
watching End Abuse of People with Disabilities webinars or using the discussion 
guides. 

• 
Be mindful of trigger or content warnings during webinars, as well as your 
body’s own reactions. Center yourself and your needs. Do whatever you 
need to do to feel comfortable and safe. 
• 
If you need to take a break, allow yourself to do so. The webinar can be 
paused and re-started as needed. 
• 
Plan out ways to decompress and reground after consuming heavy content. 
• 
Identify supports in your community or organization that you can reach out 
to for assistance as needed. 
Discussion Questions 

1. What barriers do survivors with disabilities face when seeking services at your 
organization or in your rural community generally? 
2. What are some strategies your organization can implement to help survivors 
access services in your rural community? 

3. How can your organization maximize your resources to provide accessible 
services to survivors with disabilities? 
4. How can your organization’s culture change to better serve survivors with 
disabilities? 
5. What are some resources – either inside your community or elsewhere – that 
your agency can tap into to better position you to serve survivors with 
disabilities?