Human Trafficking of People with Disabilities
March 14 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Human Trafficking of People with Disabilities
Friday, March 14, 2025
Registration 8:30am Program 9am to 12pm
Presented By: Laura Cusack, MSW
Location: Online Workshop
3 CE Credits
Act 48 Available
Human trafficking is an issue that disproportionately impacts individuals from marginalized groups such as members of the disability community, and gender, ethnic, and racial minorities. This presentation examines the various ways that people with disabilities are uniquely vulnerable to being targeted for human trafficking, based on specific traits and characteristics relating to their disability The presentation also includes cultural considerations and effective strategies for inclusive service provision and response to this population, to ensure that they are not missed in being identified as victims, and in service delivery.
Objectives:
1. Describe the unique risk factors associated with people with disabilities as it pertains to vulnerability for human trafficking.
2. Explain the laws pertaining to human trafficking and what qualifies as human trafficking.
3. Demonstrate best practices for communicating with people with disabilities.
Laura Cusack, MSW is a Senior Victim Advocate and subject matter expert on human trafficking. Laura’s experience includes providing training to service providers on specific needs of crime victims with disabilities according to the Rehab Act, ADA, and fair housing act, as well as providing training on human trafficking and crimes against children. Laura’s experience also includes facilitating psychoeducational groups for highrisk youth with trauma-related disabilities and leading community outreach efforts. Laura is President of her local Human Trafficking Coalition, a member of her local Human Trafficking Task Force, Sexual Assault Response Teams, and Community Action Networks. She has educated over 15,000 individuals on crime-related topics. In 2019, Laura was a co-producer on a documentary about human trafficking. She was awarded Victim Advocate of the Year in 2022. Laura earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University and is certified in the My Life My Choice, iEmpathize Empower Youth Program, and Men Breaking Free national curriculum. Laura’s passion is educating service providers on how to effectively identify crime victims and respond to their unique needs.
PSCP: The Psychology Network is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PSCP: The Psychology network maintains responsibility for this program and its content.