Safety Is Empowerment

Recognizing National Safety Month & Deafblind Awareness Week

June is National Safety Month - a time to reflect on how we keep ourselves and those around us safe in everyday life. Safety is more than a checklist or emergency drill - it’s about creating environments that support independence, reduce risk, and help everyone thrive.

For individuals with developmental disabilities, these safety considerations are especially important. Consistent routines, accessible information, and clear communication can help ensure that safety practices are not only in place - but actually work for each individual.

Home Safety: Building Daily Confidence

A safe home supports physical and emotional well-being. For anyone, key safety practices at home might include:

• Keeping emergency contact information easy to find

• Practicing fire drills or evacuation plans

• Using reminders or timers for cooking and medication

• Organizing spaces to reduce hazards and support daily routines

  
  

For individuals with developmental disabilities, these strategies can also support independence and reduce anxiety by making daily life more predictable and manageable.

Community Safety: Navigating Public Spaces

Whether going to work, running errands, or attending social events, public spaces can present both opportunities and challenges. To stay safe in the community, it helps to:

• Plan routes ahead of time and know alternate options

• Carry identification and key health or emergency information

• Be aware of surroundings and know how to ask for help if needed

• Use tools like mobile apps or visual schedules for added support

  
  

For those with developmental disabilities, practicing these skills in familiar settings can help build confidence and prepare for real-world situations.

Workplace Safety: Supporting Inclusion and Understanding

Workplace safety benefits everyone, and it’s more than just physical safety—it includes clear communication, respectful environments, and knowing your rights. Key practices include:

• Learning job expectations and how to safely complete tasks

• Participating in training on emergency procedures

• Understanding how to report concerns or unsafe conditions

• Having support when navigating workplace relationships or challenges

  
  

For individuals with developmental disabilities, tailored supports - like extra training time, visual cues, or job coaching - can make a major difference in creating a safe and productive work experience.

Inclusive Safety: Deafblind Awareness Week (June 22 - 28)

As part of National Safety Month, we also recognize Deafblind Awareness Week. Safety must be accessible to everyone, including individuals with combined hearing and vision loss.

Inclusive safety may involve:

• Vibrating or tactile alerts

• Clearly marked physical pathways

• Consistent, individualized communication tools

  
  

These adaptations aren’t extras—they’re essential for ensuring safety systems are usable and effective for all.

Safety at CSN: Supporting Growth with Security

At Community Support Network (CSN), safety is a core part of our mission. We are deeply committed to creating safe environments where adults with developmental disabilities can learn, work, and build community.

We focus on:

• Community safety by helping individuals develop real-life skills for appropriate social interactions and managing unpredictable situations

• Workplace safety through job coaching, advocacy, and ongoing support tailored to each person’s needs

• Daily program safety by maintaining consistent routines, respectful environments, and staff trained to support each individual’s strengths and needs

  
  

Creating a safe space allows people to focus on what really matters: growing their skills, connecting with others, and participating fully in daily life.

Safety is ongoing. It’s personal. And it’s something we all help build—together. 

This June, we come together to strengthen our commitment to creating a respectful, inclusive environment where everyone feels safe.