Strengthening Trauma‐Informed Care in Disability Services: Addressing Everyday and Structural Harm

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Abstract
This paper argues for the development of a disability‐specific trauma‐informed care (TIC) framework to address the unique and layered vulnerabilities of people with disabilities. While TIC has become a leading paradigm in human services and is increasingly recognized in the disability field, it remains inconsistently implemented with limited disability‐specific theoretical development. People with disabilities are not only disproportionately exposed to violence and abuse but also endure subtle, cumulative forms of everyday harm, as well as systemic and historical trauma rooted in ableism and institutionalization. These intersecting experiences are not adequately addressed by current TIC models, which are often hindered by barriers at the individual, organizational, and systemic levels. This paper asserts that a tailored framework is essential to bridge the gap between the ideals of TIC and the reality of service provision, ensuring that care truly fosters healing and avoids re‐traumatization for this population.

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