2018 TASH Conference

Several studies indicate that people with disabilities may be at a higher risk for suicide. Although the suicide rate among people with disabilities is not known (Giannini et al., 2010), the presence of specific disabilities, such as intellectual disabilities, spinal cord injury, and multiple sclerosis (Giannini et al., 2010) as well as emotional behavioral disorders (Fleischmann, Bertolote, Belfer, & Beautrais, 2005) may increase suicide risk., 2011). Suicide risk factors impacting all people may come into play as well but may not be fully recognized and acknowledged in people with disabilities (Grill, 1998). It is time to think outside the box about how to address suicide risk and protective factors for people with disabilities. While a lack of true numbers for suicide deaths among people with disabilities presents a challenge, more important is the need to overcome the negative expectation for people with disabilities. When non-disabled persons construe a person's disability to be an overwhelming hardship, it prevents consideration and examination of any other suicide risk factors and thus to even consider evidence-based best practices for suicide prevention. (Weiss, 2015). In the limited research on risk factors for suicide among people with disabilities, the factors are often like non-disabled people (relationships, financial problems, job issues). In fact, perceived burdensomeness and a sense of not belonging or fitting in are strong risk factor for both people with disabilities and non-disabled persons. (Joiner, 2005) Person centered planning promotes connectedness to individuals, family, community, and social institutions - a fundamental protective factor to alleviate suicide risk. Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope (PATH) development serves to actualize these supports. PATH development may be important time to discuss suicide risk factors with the person and their support network, as well as serve as changing the stigma and false narrative that there is no joy, success or accomplishment for a person with disabilities. Efforts to identify risk factors and prevent suicide in people with disabilities are needed, yet few suicide-screening devices exist for people with disabilities in general, and for individuals with intellectual disabilities in particular (Salvatore, et al., 2016). General screening tools can be used, but they may be inaccessible to people using alternate formats or not adapted for use for individuals who require support with reading or abstract thinking (Ludi, et al., 2012). Basic suicide prevention techniques such as Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR) have the potential to be effectively used or adapted for individuals with disabilities. QPR is gatekeeper training in which individuals are taught to recognize suicide warning signs, ask questions to assess the risk, persuading a person to seek help, and refer them for assistance. Providing QPR training to people with disabilities and within the disability community may serve to recognize and prevent suicide risk factors. This presentation aligns with the conference theme of Be Creative - Innovative Solutions for an Inclusive Life in several ways. Presenters will explain how existing methods such as person centered planning and PATH can aid in suicide prevention. The presenters will also explore means for making existing suicide screening tools and prevention methods, such as QPR, more accessible for individuals with disabilities. The purpose of the proposed presentation is to .... 1. Increase awareness of suicide risk factors and prevention factors 2. Identify barriers to suicide screening and suicide prevention that may exist for individuals with disabilities 3. Examine existing practices, such as a comprehensive approach to suicide and person-centered planning that could provide support and diminish suicide risk factors among individuals with disabilities 4. Explore how gatekeeper trainings such as QPR could be used effectively with individuals with disabilities and within the disability community 5. Brainstorm ways in which suicide screening and prevention could be made more accessible