R3: Recognize, Report, Respond 1.0.1

R3 is a specialized application developed to assist adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in learning to identify, report, and address instances of abuse. The app provides educational content on the five forms of abuse utilizing audio, visual aids, and narrated materials. R3 offers videos, quizzes, and interactive exercises tailored for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while remaining accessible to a broader audience.

Given the sensitive nature of abuse awareness, R3 includes a feature allowing users to pause the learning content whenever needed. Users can navigate back to the home screen by tapping the designated button within the app or engage in calming activities through the Feelings check-in section.

Employing user-centric design principles, R3 was conceived and produced by the ASSET Lab at the University of Rhode Island in collaboration with the Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) and individuals with various disabilities. The app's foundation lies in the Awareness and Action (A&A) curriculum, developed under the Building Partnerships for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities initiative. A&A training educates individuals on recognizing, reporting, and responding to common forms of abuse and is typically delivered in-person by a diverse team of instructors. Those seeking further details on A&A training can explore www.wearemass.org.

R3 aims for inclusivity but acknowledges potential accessibility constraints due to technological limitations. Users are invited to share feedback or issues they encounter with R3 by reaching out via email at DPPCapps@mass.gov.

To report suspicions of abuse involving persons with disabilities in Massachusetts, individuals can contact the DPPC hotline at 800-426-9009.

The R3 initiative received financial support from grant number 90EJSG0015-01-00 granted by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The total funding of $668,777.53 was provided entirely by ACL/DHHS. Grantees working on government-sponsored projects are encouraged to present their findings independently; therefore, any expressed opinions or viewpoints do not necessarily reflect official ACL or DHHS policies. The A&A training model forming the core of the R3 project was financially backed in 2007 under grant number 2007-VF-GX-K035 by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs within the U.S. Department of Justice. The perspectives conveyed within A&A or R3 materials are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the formal stance of the U.S. Department of Justice.