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Out of Exile_IDR - § Voice ®™️ · @OutOfExile_IDR_Voice
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"Can a Symbol Help Stop the Harm – Disability Designator ID and Disability Deaths" – PART THREE:

CONTENT WARNING (CW): the events and videos of events may be disturbing to some.

In this segment, I'll be talking about the stories that, aside from personal experience, inspired me to write this series. You'd be surprised how many are unaware of, or just don't care about the damage, death and injustice thrust on the people and their families, solely because they were disabled. Though I view the IDA as an ally and see some value in their NDID program, I do not think a symbol, or Disability ID alone, will stop this plague. Is it coincidence that all of these stories are from the same state… or is it an indication of a culture of hidden hate and Ableism.

September 2019: After parking his car, Brady Mystic was walking into a laundry mat when the lights of a police cruiser focused on him. Two Idaho Springs Colorado police officers, Hanning and Summers, began shouting commands at him to "get back in [his] car". One of the officers tackled him and the other tasered him. The officers claim they witnessed him run a stop sign, beat him, later claiming he resisted arrest and assaulted one of the officers.

When he saw police lights pointed at him, Brady Mystic stopped walking but, had no idea if he was the subject of this attention. Blinded, he could not see, nor could he hear their commands for several very valid reasons. Brady is completely deaf in both ears, verbally limited, predominantly communicates with sign language and does not read lips. He raised his hands in a nonthreatening manner" to communicate his hearing impairment when police tackled, tasered him and beat him. During the attack, he again attempted to make them aware of his disability saying "No ears… No ears" to which, officer Summers responded with a second jolt from her stun gun. He was also falsely accused of assaulting an officer because, during this vicious attack, officer Hanning "had caused himself to break his own leg/ankle".

Brady Mystic then spent the next four months in jail, where his ADA and civil rights were also violated repeatedly. The officers involved, Hanning and Summers, have been accused of, and sued for, use of excessive force in other incidents, one involving a 75-year-old man in his own home. Officer Summers remained on the force but, Mr. Hanning, was fired for that incident.

Idaho Springs PD responded with a rebuttal posted to the website claiming Mr. Mystic approached the police vehicle and was the aggressor, calling it an "attack". An obvious attempt to cover up this heinous act. Where's the body footage? Initially, the only footage provided was from Ofc. Summers body cam at the hospital. The video of the actual event is linked below. Ultimately after four months, the charges were dropped and Brady was released. All this because he was deaf and allegedly ran a stop sign.

The suit against the officers claims "the shocking use of unnecessary police force and wrongful incarceration of a deaf man whom the Defendant officers rashly attacked after failing to recognize his disability and misinterpreting his non-threatening attempts to see and communicate as challenges to police authority."… "...which caused the man to unjustifiably spend months in jail without appropriate accommodations to help him communicate that he was, in fact, the victim.". This type of aggressive, manipulative and rash behavior by authorities is not uncommon in the state of Colorado and, is not limited to this incident. Idaho Springs PD was also at the scene of another more recent murder by police in the next segment.

July 2018: In Aurora Colorado, 73 year old Richard Gary Black Jr. discovered a home intruder that was drowning his 11-year-old grandson in the bathtub. The Vietnam veteran, and recipient of a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, also lived with "significant hearing impairment". When police arrived in response to a 911 call from Black's wife, police observed Gary Black inside his home, holding a flashlight and a legal handgun, attempting to protect his family. Officers shouted aggressive commands for him to drop the weapon but, it seemed obvious he did not hear them. Within 24 seconds of the command, an Aurora officer in the driveway, shot Mr. Black in his home through the open door. Gary died at the hospital a short time later.

This was the second shooting incident in 34 days, involving the officer who killed Mr. Black. The investigation into that June 27th incident, had not even been completed yet. Why was this officer already back on duty? According to one publication, in a press conference three days after the shooting, "...Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz essentially argued that the actions of Richard "Gary" Black Jr., ...caused an officer to fatally shoot him." Mr. Black's hearing impairment seemed to be downplayed and, was even omitted from reports by at least one national networks local affiliate. No charges were brought against the officer.

Aurora has seen multiple incidents of excessive force by police killing people with disabilities, and many without. According to policescorecard.org, Aurora has had "More Police Shootings per Arrest than 52% of Depts". The city's police force was also the subject of a "investigation in which the state's Atty. Gen. found a "pattern and practice" of "using excessive force," and of "failing to document stops as required by law.". The investigation concluded that Aurora PD had broken state and federal law and violated the civil rights of its residents through its policing of minorities.". As a further example of this, the department is facing approximately $14 million in lawsuits stemming from their actions during the George Floyd protests in Denver.

There's also the story of Andre Williams who was tackled, punched in the head and then tasered by police while having a seizure in September 2018. Williams was not the first time Aurora police had harmed someone having a seizure. In 2010, Rickey Burrell was having a seizure prompting his partner to call 911. Upon arrival, two Aurora officers knelt on his back while he was lying face down in his bed, dragged him outside (in winter) wearing only his underwear and, ultimately broke his arm. As part of a 2013 settlement, Aurora was mandated to provide “annual seizure-related training to all of its peace officers by July 2013,” They discontinued that training program in 2016.

Before finishing this series with what is, perhaps, the most famous case involving Aurora PD, I'll be covering a recent case that happened elsewhere. One of the officers in that case was charged with second-degree murder among other offenses. In any of the cases, a Disability ID card would most likely have changed nothing.

OutOfExile­_IDR ™ – © 2023

Brady mystic, deaf man tased and beaten: npr.org/2021/09/29/1041562502/

Brady Mystic and others violated by the same officers: lawandcrime.com/lawsuit/two-co

Claim: Notorious Cop Broke His Own Leg While Abusing a Deaf Man: westword.com/news/deaf-colorad

Body Cam Footage from Brady Mystic Incident: nbcnews.com/video/bodycam-show

Richard (Gary) Black's Actions Led to Police Shooting Death, Aurora Chief Says: westword.com/news/richard-blac

No Mention of Victims Hearing Impairment in News Report (with body cam footage): 9news.com/article/news/crime/n

Disability is a Hidden Side of Police Violence Epidemic: vox.com/2016/10/4/13161396/dis

Link to part one: kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_I

@invisibledisabilitiesassociation
@actuallyautistics @disabilityjustice @disability

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Out of Exile_IDR - § Voice ®™️ · @OutOfExile_IDR_Voice
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"Can a Symbol Help Stop the Harm – Disability Designator ID and Disability Deaths" –PART TWO:

This piece was expected to be two parts. With the number of stories about people with disabilities being harmed by police, it will require more. A STRONG CONTENT WARNING (CW): the events and linked videos may be disturbing to some.

Reasons for Disability ID Programs:

The nonprofit Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) started the National Disability ID (NDID) for obvious reasons. For individuals that may need additional assistance, the NDID card may be beneficial. In the words of IDA:

"Because people living with invisible disabilities are often looked upon with misunderstanding or disbelief when asking for help, IDA wants to change the experience of millions living with invisible disabilities. Instead of spending time and energy having to explain their disability and validate their need for assistance, it is our desire and goal that they can simply receive the support they need when they display their NDID Card."

As mentioned, several states use the IDA invisible disabilities symbol as part of their disability identifier laws. To be clear, the IDA is a private nonprofit organization and the NDID symbol is their own creation, not a government program. A confidential symbol program has positives for some with disabilities but, protected information should not be in the hands of the DMV or appearing on drivers licenses. A separate card presented along with the license may be a better idea. Much like a "handicap" placard , such cards issued via doctors recommendation, would keep medical information in the hands of doctors. It is important to mention that the various state Disability ID programs are voluntary, not mandated but, the compiling of information and formation of a database for people with invisible disabilities, is a paramount concern. DMV information can be accessed by many. **

Encounters with Law Enforcement and First Responders:

Because an individual with invisible disabilities may avoid eye contact, speak quickly/slowly or appear to be anxious, law enforcement reactions may often include: judgments or assumptions that a person is "acting guilty", "under the influence" or "up to something". Many disabilities are accompanied by: anxiety, avoidance, difficulties focusing, restlessness, trouble understanding instruction, and a variety of communication limitations. Symptomatic reaction, heightened fear and/or emotion may manifest during the simplest of interactions with any first responder. Any of these factors could cause situations to escalate quickly, to the detriment of the person with disabilities. These, combined with lack of understanding about invisible disabilities and aggressiveness on the part of law-enforcement, can make a simple walk to the neighborhood store very dangerous, even deadly for anyone with invisible disabilities.

The IDA presents a few real-life scenarios on their website as an example of the lack of understanding by authorities:

In Ohio, a man with autism was pulled over by police, presented his license but, did not make eye contact. When the man started fumbling around in his car the officer made an assumption he was intoxicated, pulled him out of his car and handcuffed him. The officer later found out the man had autism. Would a disability ID card, have prevented this from happening?

After using an electric scooter to do grocery shopping, a Colorado woman with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) went to her car parked in a handicapped spot. Police then blocked her car in with their vehicle lights flashing. The woman presented an MS ID card, explained her health issue and advise them she DID have a valid handicap placard. The officer responded, "You're not disabled, I saw you walk into the store".

As disgusting and unnecessary as these two examples on the IDA website are, they pale in comparison to some of the other stories:

January 2021: Rochester N.Y. police responding to a call about "family trouble", used unnecessary force on a nine-year-old girl having an obvious mental health crisis. As the child cried, "I want my father", police handcuffed her, put her in the back of the cruiser and pepper sprayed her. Another similar incident occurred in 2022 when El Paso Texas police used a stun gun on a 10-year-old girl experiencing a mental health crisis.

September 2019: a Rio Arriba County New Mexico Deputy tasered a student with developmental disabilities for sassing him. School officials stood by and watched. Former deputy, Jeremy Barnes was fired and charged with "child abuse, false imprisonment and aggravated battery"; however, I see no mention of additional charges specific to abuse of a person with disabilities.

February 2021: A Kansas Sheriff's deputy "hogtied, tasered and used painful compliance techniques" on a 12-year-old autistic child who ran away from a foster home.. The child was handcuffed behind his back, shackled on his ankles and the handcuffs were then connected to the shackles. This "hog tying" tactic has been banned in N.Y., California and other states. The US DOJ warned police departments across the country that this tactic could interfere with the ability to breathe and cause death decades ago. According to the "order of reprimand" that was made public, the Kansas Deputy also use threats and profanities telling the child to “Cut it out. Do you understand? Fucking quit,” adding, “When the other guy gets here, you’re going to hurt more.”

With the boy obviously restrained and not a threat, the report says the officer “...struggled with, shoved, elbowed, applied pressure points, carried, pulled, ‘hog tied,’ and ultimately tasered (the boy referred to as) L.H.” The officer was fired and reprimanded but the Kansas commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training elected not to prevent him from becoming a police officer again. That doesn't seem to be a mention of charges against this officer whom, the report indicates was well aware the child was autistic.

January 2020: An autistic teen who was experiencing "a sudden sensory outburst” related to his autism, died as a result of police in Louisiana sitting on him for nine minutes and six seconds. His parents witnessed the event. Police handcuffed, shackled his ankles and held him facedown on the pavement of a parking lot "putting immense pressure on his back".

November 2015: A six-year-old autistic boy from Louisiana was shot and killed by police after his father, Christopher Few failed to stop for police. The officers that fired their weapons killing the child were Derek Stafford and Norris Greenhouse. After the vehicle came to a stop, body camera footage shows the father Mr. Few, had his hands in the air and it was determined by the investigation that he posed no threat. A Police Lt. on the scene also said Mr. few presented no threat, that's why he did not fire his weapon. No weapons were found in Mr. Few's vehicle and initial reports claimed there was a warrant for his arrest but, Louisiana State Police confirmed this was not true. There were numerous other instances of conflicting information in the case.

One of the officers, Derek Stafford, said he feared (speculated) Mr. Few would backup and hit him with his vehicle. Stafford's attorney claimed that Mr. Few had actually rammed into the vehicle of Officer Greenhouse. The video, and subsequent investigation of the incident refutes these claims. CBS News reported that Investigators say "that was a lie". In total, the two officers fired 18 shots into the vehicle where the man and autistic child were.
Stafford was sentenced to 40 years for manslaughter and 15 years for attempted manslaughter to be served concurrently. Greenhouse was sentenced in total to seven years but, was released in July 2021 after only 21 months. This is 25% of his seven year sentence.

May 2023: Cooma Australia: A 95-year-old woman dies as a result of being tasered by a New South Wales NSW Police constable. After responding to a call at about a woman holding a knife at nursing home, 95-year-old Clare was "urged" to drop a steak knife she was holding. According to police, she began to approach the constable "at a slow pace" using a walking frame (walker), when he discharged his stun gun. Ms. Nowland fell, hitting her head, suffering a skull fracture and brain hemorrhaging. She died as a result of the injuries a week later. The 95-year-old lived with dementia and was described as "frail and unable to stand unaided", weighing only 43 kg (95 pounds). Hardly a threat to anyone, even with a steak knife. The officer was charged with multiple offenses.

Part three will cover other cases including, one of the most well-known. It will also touch on the upcoming trial of the officers that killed the man.

OutOfExile­_IDR ™ – © 2023

Rochester police tasered 9-year-old girl in mental health crisis: nbcnews.com/news/us-news/polic

Teen with Developmental Disabilities tasered by NM PD for Talking Back: koat.com/article/attorney-for-

Autistic boy tasered by Kansas PD: vice.com/en/article/akej98/kan
koat.com/article/attorney-for-
Kansas Deputy who tasered autistic child-still a cop?: mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/poli

Autistic teen dies after Louisiana PD sit on him Https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/15

95-year-old woman dies after being tasered: bbc.com/news/world-australia-6

Louisiana officer who shot 6-year-old autistic boy gets to 55 years: theguardian.com/us-news/2017/a
Body cam footage of the event: cbsnews.com/news/video-of-poli
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_


@actuallyautisticgroup @disabilityjusticegroup @disabilitygroup
Half of People Killed by Police Have a Disability: nbcnews.com/news/us-news/half-

#disability #DisabilityRights #equality #change #InvisibleDisabilityRights #accommodation #understanding #disabilitycommunity #speakup4change #DisabilitySolidarity #actuallyautistic #TBI #hearingimpairment #aphasia #ocd #mentalhealth #decency #respect #dignity #socialjustice #stopkillingus #teardownthewall

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Out of Exile_IDR - § Voice ®™️ · @OutOfExile_IDR_Voice
532 followers · 787 posts · Server kolektiva.social
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"Can a Symbol Help Stop the Harm – Disability Designator ID and Disability Deaths" –Part one:
(Approx 7 Min. read)

In May, New Jersey passed bill S761, joining 12 other states in creating a "disability identifier" state ID program. With much of the media focus on autism, the law allows some with other disability related communication issues, to have an "official indication of their diagnosis", "notated" on their state issued ID. As a part, NJ will create "guidelines" for law enforcement to better accommodate people with invisible disabilities, through understanding and proper communication; rather than aggression, force, and unfounded assumptions of perpetration. Unlike other states, the NJ legislation appears to exclude many with disabilities and lack forethought regarding the medical privacies of participants.

Even with the positives of various state actions, some feel these efforts may be futile, or accompanied by inherent negatives. Here, I'll be providing details on some of these programs, their potential negatives and, in part two, the reasons for creating them. The focus will be on the tragic stories of some victims that ultimately inspired Invisible Disability ID programs. People, like Elijah McClain and others, whose wrongful deaths resulting from interactions with police and first responders, brought national attention to this epidemic. The harm and loss of life at the hands of those there to serve and protect, is a horrifying thought to many with invisible disabilities, their loved ones; and should be, to anyone of decency.

Alaska, was the first to pass disability ID "designator" legislation with two laws that seem to respect the medical privacies of' disabled citizens. Their "Disability Designator", is a "discrete symbol" on licenses, indicating a "medically verified cognitive, mental, neurological, or physical disability; or a combination thereof". Alaska and other states, use the Invisible Disabilities Association's (IDA) "i" symbol as the "designator". The reasoning behind this optional indicator is the same; to enlighten police and first responders, when they may view a person's communication or behavior as "different" or "unusual". Again, the goal is to prevent escalation and, as in many cases, harm to the individual with disabilities.

Utah's disability designator, is a symbol on a sticker affixed to the ID. As in other states that use a symbol, Utah's program offers more medical confidentiality. It indicates only, that the person has a disability, without revealing diagnosis or specifics. In comparison with NJ's "notation of diagnosis", this seems much less intrusive. Utah's list of "examples of disabilities" covers any physical or mental health issue "that may interfere with the ability to communicate with a law enforcement officer". The list is much more inclusive of all disabilities than the narrow scope of the NJ law, even including diabetes, heart conditions and drug allergies.

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) in Colorado, is a nonprofit organization that spearheads the effort to create the "National Disability ID" (NDID) symbol program. They advocate nationwide with state and federal government, and were part of the 2022 federal identifier bill, HB–7217. Unfortunately, that bill died in committee. The IDA logo, a blue lowercase "i" shaped like a vertical Nike-style "swoosh", is used as Colorado's DL disability identifier as well. They began issuing their NDID–National Invisible Disability ID cards, prior to the passing of any legislation. Below, is an IDA link where people with invisible disabilities can obtain their own NDID, or "International Invisible Disability ID" card with little effort or personal information.

Following Alaska, Colorado passed House Bill HB21–1014, making them the second state to pass "Symbolic" legislation which, also uses the wording "discrete" indicator. The law requires that the symbol on state identifications, must represent all types of disabilities under their program, in a state where history vividly illustrates the need for some type of solution. Colorado police and first responders have been responsible for causing the wrongful deaths of numerous people with invisible disabilities, attracting national attention more than once. The stories covered in part two, include several involving the same police force.

Potential Concerns:

In regard to the NJ action, the following phrase appears in the legislation:
"the chief administrator shall indicate the autism spectrum disorder or communication disorder diagnosis by notating such information on the person's driver's license ...under the column designated for restrictions".

There are many disabilities accompanied by communication limitations, that are not associated with autism, or (as NJ puts it) a "communication disorder". There are also aspects of disabilities, unrelated to communication, that can influence interactions with law-enforcement. Anyone of these may have been a factor in the known examples of police escalation causing harm or death to innocent people. NJ should consider this, designing their law to be more inclusive and respectful of the rights, privacies and protections of its disabled population.

Broadcasting diagnosis on one's license is another concern to some, and raises some questions. How much protected medical information will appear in the NJ "notation"? Will the DMV gather medical history and driver's diagnosis' for its citizens with disabilities, then add unnecessary or unfounded "restrictions" to their licenses? With varying degrees of any disability, a generalized "notation of diagnosis" could present a lot of obvious undue challenges or barriers for many drivers with disabilities.

Aside from police and first responders, there are others that may see the "notation of diagnosis" or identifier symbol on an individual's ID. Identification is shown to many people, including those at stores, restaurants, nightclubs, and hotels. Some stores even scan IDs when "proofing", essentially compiling a database of the information contained in license barcodes. Some feel that individuals could be targeted for discrimination, harassment, exploitation or abuse by corporations, employers, ablests or other unsavory individuals.

For those who do not want the identifier on their license, these reforms may do little. If an individual without the voluntary "identifier" advises police they are disabled, will they be accommodated according to said guidelines? For those with the identifier, these changes are only as good as those who implement them. Will the guidelines and training be designed to actually accommodate or, be just another hollow disability regulation, created by oblivious abled politicians.

Will police abide by the guidelines? Body cams were implemented to prevent misconduct and create accountability. However, frequent claims by police that cameras "fell off", leave many feeling they were intentionally removed to obviate the recording of their transgressions. Will a symbol on a driver's license prevent such unnecessary harm to the disabled? Colorado's designator law passed two years ago but, another murder of someone with invisible disabilities occurred last fall. The individual, experiencing an obvious mental health crisis, called for police assistance after becoming stranded and, was ultimately shot. The many recurring incidences may cause anyone to ask; is the motto to "serve and protect", or to harm and kill?

In part two, I will focus on the people with invisible disabilities, autism, mental health challenges and hearing impairment, that were harmed or murdered by police and first responders. Unfortunately, we cannot ask many of those individuals if they feel a symbol on their license would've changed anything. With all the people that have been lost unnecessarily, this is no longer a issue – It's something everyone should be standing against.

OutOfExile­_IDR ™ – © 2023

Identification card from IDA: invisibledisabilities.org/nati

For more on "National Disability Identification" (NDID): ndid.help/

NJ S761 bill: legiscan.com/NJ/bill/S761/2022

Alaska disability designator – GOVERNMENT SITE: doa.alaska.gov/dmv/akol/design

Utah's list of "examples of disabilities" –GOVERNMENT SITE: dld.utah.gov/invisible-conditi

Federal Bill – US HB-7217: legiscan.com/US/bill/HB7217/20

"Invisible Man" image by Nangreenly: pixabay.com/users/nangreenly-1

@actuallyautistics
@actuallyautistic @disabilityjustice @disability

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William Canna-bass · @JizzelEtBass
162 followers · 6047 posts · Server kolektiva.social

@DamienMarieAtHope Given the whole thing was dreamed up whole cloth by a tax collector who had psychosis secondary to Traumatic Brain Injury ( via Horse), it makes sense.

#Crist #TBI

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Out of Exile_IDR - § Voice ®™️ · @OutOfExile_IDR_Voice
482 followers · 755 posts · Server kolektiva.social
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"10 year Boy with Down Syndrome Assaulted by Bus Driver - Abuse of Students with Invisible Disabilities by Educators"

⚠️ CW - Stories on mistreatment and abuse of students with invisible disabilities in schools across the country. May be disturbing to some.

Yesterday, a bus driver for the Upper Darby school district in Pennsylvania, was charged with assault, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Juliet Pratt was captured on surveillance cameras, duct taping the a student with Downs Syndrome around the ankles and chest to restrain him. The footage also show the child, who was already in a safety harness, caused no disturbance and remained in his seat. Regardless,  nothing warrants this kind of abusive behavior to people with invisible disabilities, especially by someone involved in child education. The March 8th incident was not the only. The bus driver admitted doing this appalling act to the child, at least one other time. Pratt cut the tape restraints with a seat belt cutter to free the boy upon arrival at the school.

There seems to be no mention of charges related to disability protectections in news reports. Has she done this to others? Would she have done this if the child did not have a disability? If Ms. Pratt singled the child out for this treatment because of any disability related reason, (ie - thinking she could get away with it because of the boy's DS), authorities may want to consider this an ableist hate crime.

Unfortunately, this problem is not uncommon. In some places, the techniques used are legal, bringing harm to many students with invisible disabilities. In Virginia, a 10 year old autistic boy, had the "bones in his hand and foot crushed" by an educator. The injuries were caused by a staff member who was isolating and confining the child, in what was called the "scream room".

Many reports of similar abuses have surfaced in Connecticut schools as well. In one case, a second grader with ADHD was held down, and locked in confinement after a manifestation of symptoms. Aside from the mental and emotional wounds caused, just as in many other cases, the child suffered physically injury. According to the story linked below, students have been restrained and isolated "thousands of times causing dozens of injuries" in Connecticut schools. This hardly sounds like accommodation and community intergration.

Then, there's Xavier Hernandez, who died as a result if being held down and restained by multiple staff members at "Boulevard Heights" school for "students with disabilities" in Texas.

These are the people entrusted with the job of shaping young minds? What lesson does this type of behavior teach other students about interacting with people with invisible disabilities; that they should be restrained, isolated and subjected to physical and mental damage? Considering these, and many other such acts, it seems many educators could use a lesson on understanding and accommodation of persons with invisible disabilities.

© OutOfExile_IDR - Invisible Disability Rights

PA Bus Driver:
phillyvoice.com/school-bus-dri

nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local

Boy with autism in Virginia:
propublica.org/article/schools

Girl with ADHD and other abuse in Connecticut:
ctinsider.com/news/article/con

Xavier Hernandez death from a disability standpoint:
neuroclastic.com/xavier-hernan

Hernandez - Death by medication and restraint:
star-telegram.com/news/local/c

Image courtesy of: nbcnews.com/news/us-news/young


@actuallyautistic @disabilityjustice @disability

#education #actuallyautistic #adha #ptsd #cpstd #childeducation #abuse #advocacy #disability #invisibledisability #TBI #InvisibleDisabilityRights #DownSyndrome #brainInjury #endableism #ableisthatecrime #accommodation #communityintergration #stigmatude #teardownthewall #doe #action #DepartmentofEducation

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Moss Rehab. Research Institute · @MossResearch
100 followers · 25 posts · Server mstdn.science
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Make sure you check our new blogpost in which MRRI scientists Dr. Umesh Venkatesan and Dr. Amanda Rabinowitz with colleagues from the National TBI Model System talk about the impact on societal participation of people with traumatic brain injury.

Link: mrri.org/new-research-highligh

#COVID19 #TBI

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Moss Rehab. Research Institute · @MossResearch
100 followers · 24 posts · Server mstdn.science
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As comes to a close, we would like to acknowledge the outstanding work done by our team of scientists, clinicians, and staff who are making important contributions to

#braininjuryawarenessmonth #TBI #research

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Matt Singley · @mattsingley
204 followers · 477 posts · Server hachyderm.io

Was looking over one of the lists of domains I have registered, and saw one I have no memory of buying, but it's a good one! Thanks, Past Matt!

#TBI

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Out of Exile_IDR - § Voice ®™️ · @OutOfExile_IDR_Voice
500 followers · 698 posts · Server kolektiva.social
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International Women’s Day Hero of Invisible Disability Rights – Elaine Wilson:

In celebration of International Women's Day, OutOfExile_IDR honors Elaine Wilson, champion of invisible disability rights and the Olmstead Act.  It seems germane, as March is also Developmental Disabilities Month.

During Martin Luther King week, I posted about Lois Curtis, a champion for Invisible Disability Rights (link below).  Lois, togather with another woman, Elaine Wilson, fought all the way to the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) for the right to live in the community, rather than being institutionalized.  Fighting courageously for their freedom, they won the right to freedom for all people with invisible disabilities.  The case is often refered to as the “Brown v. Board of Education” for people with (Invisible) disabilities.

Excerpt below & image of Elaine from:
olmsteadrights.org/iamolmstead

[“Elaine Wilson became seriously ill when she was one years old. She was hospitalized with a raging fever and it was unclear whether she would survive... When the fever finally broke and Elaine was …sent home, ….Elaine had lost some of her early motor function abilities, such as crawling or even sitting up by herself. The doctors assured Elaine's mother that (it) was only a lingering effect of the illness…. Elaine eventually did recover, but very slowly”.[]

In school, Elaine lagged behind other students having difficulties with focus and learning , eventually being diagnosed with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) attributed to the prolonged high fever as an infant.  Likley, this was the correct diagnosis.

She was reevaluated as a teen upon enrollment at “Gracewood State School and Hospitol” in Georgia.  There, she was diagnosed with an ableist slur containing the “R" word, once used in reference to PEOPLE living with Down Syndrome. Providers believed the only recourse was institutionalization. (I am bitting my tongue and holding back my opinions on the lot of it.)

She would spend about a decade living in institutions (State hospitals) against her will.  Following that, in the 1980s, she would be “ping-ponged" from care homes to hospitals, back and forth for nearly two decades of her life.

“When I was in an institution, I didn't like myself," Elaine says. "I was trapped. . . . I had no hope. I thought, Oh God, Oh God - When am I ever going to leave here?"

Another hero deserving mention on IWD is Sue Jamieson, the Atlanta Legal Aid Society Attorney who brought the case.  Sue and Lois Curtis were joined by co-plaintiff Elaine Wilson, to blaze the path of freedom for countless individuals with disabilities in their wake.

After more than 30 years and 36 psychiatric institutions, at times living homelessness and in varous “care homes", Elaine along with Lois Curtis, were victorious and finally free.

The 1997 ruling by Senior U.S. District Judge Marvin H. Shoob said that “… denying the women a community-based life amounted to segregation of people covered by the Americans With Disabilities Act.”  Judge Shoob later remarked “They were both so articulate” in regard to the testimony of Elaine Wilson and Lois Curitis.

Elaine passed in 2004 at the age of 53 but, will be forever remembered as a Disability Rights Legend for her resilience, strength and courage.  As part of her testimony, she told the court: “When I was in an institution, I felt like I was in a little box and there was no way out”.

Thanks to Elaine Wilson and Lois Curtis, people with invisible disabilities are afforded the right to live in freedom at home, instead of confinement in a “box", cage or institution, merely because of a health issue.  Thanks and honor to Elaine, Lois and Sue on this International Women’s Day.

“The Brave and the Strong” Lois Curitis – OutOfExile_ID:
kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_I

Elaine’s story continued:
olmsteadrights.org/iamolmstead

More on Olmstead and Elaine’s impact:
olmsteadrights.wordpress.com/t

More from disabilityjustice.org:
disabilityjustice.org/olmstead

ADA – Community Intergration for Everyone:
archive.ada.gov/olmstead/olmst

International Women’s Day Image from:
desicomments.com/womens-day/in

IMAGE CW - (eye contact)
Don't forget the ALT text.

@disabilityjustice
@disability

#internationalwomensday #elainewilson #loiscurtis #hero #olmsteadact #suejamieson #SCOTUS #freedom #home #gratitude #communityintergration #developmentaldisabilities #intellectualdisabilities #brainInjury #TBI #abi #acquiredbraininjury #mentalhealth #disability #InvisibleDisabilityRights #DisabilityJustice #embraceequity

Last updated 1 year ago
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Out of Exile_IDR - § Voice ®™️ · @OutOfExile_IDR_Voice
497 followers · 690 posts · Server kolektiva.social
Open media

Neurodivergent people have much to offer and should be included in policy and legislation discussions among other things. Different thinking brings new ideas for a broader, more enlightened view. Remember when the world was thought to be flat?

E.A.R.N. - The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion provides a "Toolkit" educating employers about Neurodivergent Thinkers and the unique value they bring. The guide linked below includes a lot of info encouraging the hiring and accommodation of neurodivergent individuals.

From the EARN page:
"In 2019, the Employer Roundtable published the “Autism @ Work Playbook” ...to help employers explore innovative approaches to finding, recruiting, hiring and supporting neurodivergent workers."

Thanks to EARN for their part in helping to . Without , there would be no light bulbs, spaceflight, or internet. There would be no Star Trek communicator to inspire the mobile phone. If one day, we can use our phones to say "beam me up", Neurodivergent Thinkers will likely "energize" that advancement as well.

Link to EARN's toolkit:
bit.ly/3QyN6aR

Image from this article discussing employers ND stigmatude:
theglobalrecruiter.com/neurodi


#teardownthewall #NeurodivergentThinking #neurodiversity #neurodivergence #outsidethebox #disability #inclusion #diversity #stigmatude #accommodation #actuallyautistic #brainInjury #TBI #dyslexia #endableism #DisabilitySolidarity #neurodivergentandproud #InvisibleDisabilityRights

Last updated 1 year ago
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Moss Rehab. Research Institute · @MossResearch
100 followers · 23 posts · Server mstdn.science
Open media

Dr. John Whyte is the founding director of MRRI and MossRehab. His contribution to , focusing on traumatic brain injury () and disorders of , to name a few, is invaluable.

Learn more about Dr. Whyte’s research here:

mrri.org/people/john-whyte/

#neurorehabilitation #TBI #consciousness

Last updated 1 year ago
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Jon_ThinksATYou · @Jon_ThinksATYou
14 followers · 93 posts · Server masthead.social
Open media

I wonder how many people have tried to learn through whilst . is already alienating, but this feels like camping on the surface of the moon

#TBI #braindamaged #selfteaching #programming

Last updated 1 year ago
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Jon_ThinksATYou · @Jon_ThinksATYou
14 followers · 85 posts · Server masthead.social
Open media

I wonder how many others with have
I think about how many of my might not be shared by others because the location of their damage is different

#Symptoms #microseizures #TBI #traumaticbraininjury

Last updated 1 year ago
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Peanutbutter Hackers🏳️‍🌈 · @pnutbttrhackers
55 followers · 103 posts · Server ioc.exchange

Y’all I just forgot the word for sleeve.

#TBI #concussion #broked

Last updated 1 year ago
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Out of Exile_IDR - § Voice ®™️ · @OutOfExile_IDR_Voice
445 followers · 676 posts · Server kolektiva.social
Open media

A social experiment.
👇 👇
The results are in and somewhat sad.

I did a social experiment last night: "Rolos vs IDR - Invisible Disability Rights."

I posted two pieces and the above "social experiment" toot simultaneously so they would appear on the timeline together. Links to both are below.

The score was:
Rolos 9 - IDR 1

The response for Rolo included favoring, boosting and two comments from the same Mastodonian that seemed to want to give a lesson on geometry in reference to the shape of Rolos.

Only one responce for IDR, a single boost. Thanks Jack. :solidarity:

Social change comes with support from all, abled and disabled individuals alike. As long as candy takes precedence over the abuse, mistreatment, exclusion and inequality of human beings, the future looks bleak for persons with invisible disabilities. Experiment failure.

Invisible Disability Rights are and

Heinous abuse of people with invisible disabilities by humanity (cw):
kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_I

Rolos candy:
kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_I


@autisticadvocacy @disabilityjustice @disability

Image courtesy of psu.com

#humanrights #disabilityisdiversity #equality #change #Amplify #inclusion #support #listen #endbigotry #endableism #disability #mentalhealth #developmentaldisabilities #intellectualdisabilities #TBI #DisabilitySolidarity #love4all #disabilitycommunity #InvisibleDisabilityRights #legend #loiscurtis #elainewilson #olmsteaddecision #heros

Last updated 2 years ago
Original post

Out of Exile_IDR - § Voice ®™️ · @OutOfExile_IDR_Voice
445 followers · 670 posts · Server kolektiva.social
Open media

A social experiment.
👇 👇
The results are in and somewhat sad.

I did a social experiment last night: "Rolos vs IDR - Invisible Disability Rights."

I posted two pieces and the above "social experiment" toot simultaneously so they would appear on the timeline together. Links to both are below.

The score was:
Rolos 9 - IDR 1

The response for Rolo included favoring, boosting and two comments from the same Mastodonian that seemed to want to give a lesson on geometry in reference to the shape of Rolos.

Only one responce for IDR, a single boost. Thanks Jack. :solidarity:

Social change comes with support from all, abled and disabled individuals alike. As long as candy takes precedence over the abuse, mistreatment, exclusion and inequality of human beings, the future looks bleak for persons with invisible disabilities. Experiment failure.

Invisible Disability Rights are and

Heinous abuse of people with invisible disabilities by humanity (cw):
kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_I

Rolos candy:
kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_I


@autisticadvocacy @disabilityjustice @disability

Image courtesy of psu.com

#humanrights #disabilityisdiversity #equality #change #Amplify #inclusion #support #listen #endbigotry #endableism #disability #mentalhealth #developmentaldisabilities #intellectualdisabilities #TBI #DisabilitySolidarity #love4all #disabilitycommunity #InvisibleDisabilityRights #legend #loiscurtis #elainewilson #olmsteaddecision #heros

Last updated 2 years ago
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Out of Exile_IDR - § Voice ®™️ · @OutOfExile_IDR_Voice
423 followers · 611 posts · Server kolektiva.social
Open media

Despite the attitudes of some:

Everyone is is part of the human race.

Everyone is equal.

Just as important, everyone has worth and can make valuable contributions to society if and when allowed.

, # #

#inclusion #acceptance #accessability #accommodation #support #love #equality #NeurodivergentThinking #neurodivergent #TBI #actuallyautistic #disability #DisabilityRights

Last updated 2 years ago
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Out of Exile_IDR - § Voice ®™️ · @OutOfExile_IDR_Voice
422 followers · 606 posts · Server kolektiva.social
Open media

Glenn Healy says NHL Alumni Association ‘all-in’ on cannabis research

NHL Alumni Association Teams Up With Canopy Growth to Research Concussions and Cannabinoids

New study led by NEEKA Health Canada will test if CBD-based therapies can reduce the severity of post-concussion brain disorders in former NHL players

prnewswire.com/news-releases/n

sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/mariju

#nhl #ConcussionAwareness #concussion #cannabis #TBI #hockey #gobowls #glennhealy #cannabisresearch #naturespharmaceutical

Last updated 2 years ago
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Moss Rehab. Research Institute · @MossResearch
100 followers · 23 posts · Server mstdn.science
Open media

alert!

Interested in working with top scientists in a vibrant environment? Then join us at MRRI! We are looking for an Institute Scientist with expertise in traumatic brain injury.

For more info about the post and application process, visit:

mrri.org/job-opportunities/#is

#job #Science #sciencecareers #neuroscience #neuro #sciencemastodon #research #jobopportunities #jobs #TBI #neurorehabilitation #rehabilitation

Last updated 2 years ago
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Out of Exile_IDR - § Voice ™️ · @OutOfExile_IDR_Voice
405 followers · 575 posts · Server kolektiva.social
Open media

Glenn Healy says NHL Alumni Association ‘all-in’ on cannabis research

NHL Alumni Association Teams Up With Canopy Growth to Research Concussions and Cannabinoids

New study led by NEEKA Health Canada will test if CBD-based therapies can reduce the severity of post-concussion brain disorders in former NHL players

prnewswire.com/news-releases/n

sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/mariju

@hockey @bostonbruinsgameday

#nhl #ConcussionAwareness #concussion #cannabis #TBI #hockey #gobowls #glennhealy #cannabisresearch #naturespharmaceutical

Last updated 2 years ago
Original post