About IMPACT:

IMPACT

Realistic Scenarios

Our classes simulate scenarios of threat, intimidation and violence perpetrated by strangers and people we know. Classes are taught by a team of two instructors, one of whom takes on the role of a perpetrator. He wears a full suit of body armor so students can safely defend themselves using the same force needed in a real attack.

A Fight Avoided is a Fight Won

We teach that physical self-defense is always a last resort. Students learn verbal skills to de-escalate conflict and stop a fight before it starts. Many assailants use verbal threats to stop people in their tracks, so students learn to keep their cool and respond effectively to harassment and intimidation.

Building Self-Confidence

Research on our graduates shows that IMPACT training increases overall self-confidence. This course gives students the opportunity to be effective and successful in the face of fear. Having this experience has helped people heal from past trauma and take on new challenges.

Personal Safety & Self-Advocacy Training

Safety and Self-Advocacy Training helps people with disabilities develop the skills to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations involving strangers or familiar people.

Identify Unsafe Situations

Through building awareness and assertive communication skills students learn to distinguish between safe people and those who cannot be trusted. Students also learn to report unsafe individuals and situations to trusted caregivers.

Respond Decisively to Threats

Students learn to de-escalate conflict, respond effectively to intimidation and stop a fight before it starts. However, since physical violence cannot always be avoided, we teach individualized self-protection skills that can deter a would-be assailant. IMPACT helps people of all abilities find the physical and verbal skills that are most effective for them.

Develop Self-Confidence and Power

When people with disabilities commute via public transportation, attend neighborhood events, or work in the community, they are sometimes perceived as easy targets by predators. IMPACT helps students develop the strong body language and verbal skills to dissuade a would-be attacker.