Android App for People with IDD to Report Abuse

Abstract

Abuse is a significant concern within the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community, often accompanied by communication challenges and vulnerability. Our project, the "Speak Up IDD" Android application, is designed to empower and safeguard individuals with IDD by offering a platform to educating them, reporting abuse and seek assistance. This innovative app addresses the urgent issue of abuse within the IDD community. "Speak Up IDD" focuses on providing individuals with IDD a means to express their concerns, ensuring their safety and well-being. The app features a user-friendly interface that caters to varying communication abilities. It offers diverse reporting options, including text-to-speech capabilities, symbol-based communication boards, and voice recognition, ensuring accessibility for users with diverse communication needs. The central function of the app revolves around abuse reporting. Users can confidentially report instances of abuse, whether physical, emotional, or neglect, through a secure and private channel. The app guides users through the reporting process, providing prompts and assistance while safeguarding their anonymity and protection. To further support users, "Speak Up IDD" includes real-time alerts and notifications that can be sent to designated contacts, such as caregivers, family members, or support organizations, ensuring swift responses to reported incidents. The "Speak Up IDD" app is more than just a reporting tool; it is a lifeline for those in the IDD community who are at risk of abuse. Its mission is to create a safer environment, raise awareness, and ensure that no individual with IDD suffers in silence. By providing them with the means to speak up, we aim to empower individuals with IDD, protect their rights, and foster a more supportive and secure community for all