John McDermott, Jade Metzger-Rifkin, and Kyle W. Beam
Digital threats are a growing reality for Arizonans. According to the Federal Trade Commission, nearly 55,000 fraud reports were filed in the state last year, resulting in over $1.8 million in losses. At the same time, the Pew Research Center has noted increasing rates of online harassment, including stalking, threats, and targeted embarrassment.
Digital tools are essential to modern life, and the ability to recognize and respond to online risks is critical for everyone. This need is especially urgent for people with disabilities, who often face additional vulnerabilities and limited access to digital safety education.
Funded by the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, the Institute for Human Development’s Online Privacy and Safety (OPS) Project addresses this gap by equipping individuals with disabilities and their support networks to navigate the internet with confidence. Since its launch in September 2024, the OPS team has offered 14 digital safety workshops in partnership with five disability organizations, reaching more than 50 participants.
OPS workshops are designed to be accessible, interactive, and responsive to the needs of communities. This is achieved by
- collaborating with organizers in advance to tailor the content to their specific audiences;
- providing both core skills and subject-specific trainings;
- facilitating open dialogue and guiding participants through real-world scenarios; and
- continuously refining the curriculum based on organizer feedback.
OPS workshops emphasize everyday applications of digital safety. Presenters have guided families in setting boundaries around device use, helped youth identify and respond to online manipulation, and provided service providers with tools to discuss privacy and consent in respectful, accessible ways. These workshops serve urban and rural communities alike and deliver practical tools that can be used immediately.
By centering the experiences of people with disabilities and adapting to their needs, the OPS Project is helping to create a safer, more informed digital landscape for all.
OPS is funded is funded by an award from the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (RFGA# ADDPC-FFY24-SAFETYIDD-0300-01)