The Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) and its project partners are proud to announce the launch of their newest mobile application, S2: Self-Care for Survivors. Designed specifically for adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), S2 offers a compassionate, interactive space to support emotional healing, self-care and everyday wellness. Designed to serve as a companion to DPPC’s abuse prevention app, R3: Recognize, Report, Respond, S2 brings the self-care practices of DPPC’s Peer Support Leaders to life in a supportive, on-demand digital experience.

S2 was developed by the DPPC in collaboration with several project partners, including self-advocates from Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS), the ASSET Lab at the University of Rhode Island (URI), and independent consultant Tina-Marie Ranalli, PhD. Created with direct input from adults with disabilities, S2: Self-Care for Survivors aims to support and empower members of the I/DD community.

“Created for and by individuals with disabilities, the S2 app aims to support individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse by offering a safe and accessible space for use throughout their daily lives,” DPPC Executive Director Nancy Alterio explains. “S2 also empowers survivors by equipping users with the tools and skills necessary to take back their autonomy by prioritizing their healing journey.” 

S2 features six vibrant, easy-to-navigate self-care ‘rooms’ that support creativity, emotional expression, positive thinking, sensory engagement, relaxation, and mindful movement—each room thoughtfully designed to promote self-care and healing. A standout feature is the app’s collection of AI-generated Self-Care Sidekicks, created to reflect the diversity of its users and model the supportive presence of DPPC’s Peer Support Leaders. From Patty, a Peer Support Leader, to John from Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong, each Sidekick offers relatable encouragement and motivation throughout the user’s self-care journey.

As one of the visionaries behind the app, DPPC’s Peer Support Leader Patty Quatieri shares why S2 holds such value for survivors: “The S2 app is important to help survivors when they are having a difficult time, and this will help survivors be empowered and overcome traumatic problems. The S2 app is very helpful to survivors to develop their coping skills and for helping survivors understand they are not alone.”

S2: Self-Care for Survivors is now available for download on all major mobile platforms, offering an accessible, empowering tool that supports mental health and well-being within the I/DD community through the use of innovative technology. DPPC is grateful to the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for their continued support and financial assistance. 

Established in 1987 as an independent state agency, the Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) protects adults with disabilities ages 18 through 59 from abuse or neglect by their caregivers through investigations, oversight, public awareness and prevention.