Justice for Elijah McClain – Murder Trials Update:

Tomorrow marks four years since Elijah McClain died as a result of his interactions with Aurora Colorado police and paramedics but, none of the five accused murderer's trials have even begun.

On August 17, the Colorado Atty. Gen.'s office dropped some of the charges against two of the accused officers, Rosenblatt and Rodema. "Sentence enhancer" charges of "Crime of Violence" were withdrawn from the case because, they were deemed "repetitive and unnecessary" by the AG's office. The sentence enhancers provide for mandatory prison sentences and can increase incarceration time for those convicted. An AG representative said that dropping those charges "would not affect the amount of time the officers might spend in prison if convicted". All five are still charged with Manslaughter and Criminally Negligent Homicide. Rosenblatt and Rodema are now set to go to trial on September 18.

The trial of the two paramedics charged, Peter Cichuniec and Jeremy Cooper, was reportedly scheduled for August 7 but, is now set for Nov. 27 with a pre-trial conference on Nov. 2. At this time, the paramedics are still facing "sentences enhancer" charges of "Crime of Violence". Cooper administered the ketamine to McClain, according to the indictment.

In an August 4 "motions hearing", attorneys for the third officer and fifth accused murderer, Nathan Woodyard argued that Woodyard became distraught as the other two officers held McClain down. He will face trial alone in October.

Click here for 🧠 the full story of what happened to Elijah McClain.

OutOfExile_IDR

https://www.denverpost.com/2023/08/21/elijah-mcclain-case-aurora-charges-reduced-officers-rosenblatt-roedema/

https://denvergazette.com/aurora/elijah-mcclain-cops-sentence-enhancers-dropped/article_7c1fbe14-4066-11ee-85c1-cf5c4976a86f.html#tncms-source=infinity-scroll-summary-siderail-next

Woodyard "motions hearing" https://www.coloradopolitics.com/courts/elijah-mcclain-case-motions-hearing-upcoming-trials/article_9938ee23-a307-55dd-a579-b7ba532a7bc0.html

#JusticeForElijahMcClain #ICantBreathe #ImJustDifferent #ActuallyAutistic #BLM #InvisibleDisabilityRights #EndAbleism #EndRacism #disability #DisabilityCommunity #SocialJustice #PoliceViolence #StopKillingUs

@disabilityjustice @disability @actuallyautistics

Violins Not Violence

"WHY ARE YOU IN RIOT GEAR!?
WE DON'T SEE NO RIOT HERE!"

Police respond to the violin vigil for Elijah McClain with aggression and violence. If you don't know who Elijah McClain is, take some time to learn and remember his name. The trial of paramedics that killed him starts Monday, while police perpetrators go on trial for homicide beginning next month.

Click 🧠 here for what happened to Elijah.
Do you remember? #JusticeForElijahMcClain

Protests Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mavxlTN0pSY

#Justice4Elijah #BLM #EndAbleism #EndRacism #SocialJustice #EndBigotry #NoJusticeNoPeace #StopKillingUs #ICantBreathe #InvisibleDisabilityRights #StopPoliceViolence #SocialJustice #TearDownTheWall #ElijahMcClain #hero

@disabilityjustice @disability @actuallyautistics

Remembering Elijah.

"Thousands Call for Justice For Elijah McClain In a Day of Music and Marching":
https://www.cpr.org/2020/06/27/music-and-marches-to-honor-elijah-mcclain-and-call-for-reforms/

Click here 🧠 here for his story.

#Justice4Elijah #BLM #EndAbleism #EndRacism #SocialJustice #EndBigotry #NoJusticeNoPeace #StopKillingUs #ICantBreathe #InvisibleDisabilityRights

@disabilityjustice @disability @actuallyautistics

"JUSTICE FOR ELIJAH MCCLAIN, MURDERED BY AURORA POLICE!"
CW: Image - Eye contact

Trials begin next week. Remember Elijah! Click here 🧠 for his story.

#Justice4Elijah #BLM #EndAbleism #EndRacism #SpeakUp4Change #SocialJustice #InvisibleDisabilityRights #StopPoliceViolence #NoJusticeNoPeace #StopKillingUs #ICantBreathe #acab

@disabilityjustice @disability @actuallyautistics

"JUSTICE FOR ELIJAH MCCLAIN, MURDERED BY AURORA POLICE!"
CW: Image - Eye contact

Trials begin next week. Remember Elijah! Click here 🧠 for his story.

#Justice4Elijah #BLM #EndAbleism #EndRacism #SpeakUp4Change #SocialJustice #InvisibleDisabilityRights #StopPoliceViolence #NoJusticeNoPeace #StopKillingUs #ICantBreathe #acab

@disabilityjustice @disability @actuallyautistic

"Disability ID and Disability Deaths" Conclusion: "Justice for Elijah McClain"!
CONTENT WARNING (CW): the details and videos of this event may be disturbing to some.
The winds of change began to blow in the summer of 2020. A change.org petition compiled over 2 million signatures, seeking justice for Elijah McClain. On June 10, 2020, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis told the public, Atty Gen Phil Weiser would be investigating the death of McClain. Also that June, protesters shut down a section of Interstate 225, demanding accountability for his death. In the series of peaceful demonstrations, protesters were also targeted by police. During those protests, when heavily militarized police arrived, the legendary chant began, "WHY ARE YOU IN RIOT GEAR! WE DON'T SEE NO RIOT HERE". Finally, there was momentum in the battle for some form of justice.

In September, 2021, over two years after the crime, a 32 count grand jury indictment charged the five first responders for their actions. The forensic pathologist who was part of the grand jury investigation, concluded the cause of death was "homicide". The individuals named in the grand jury indictment were: officers Randy Roedema, Nathan Woodyard, Jason Rosenblatt, and paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec. All five were charged with "Manslaughter" and "Criminally negligent homicide" among other charges. Roedema, Rosenblatt and both EMTs were additionally charged with "Second-degree assault" and "Crime of violence". The trial of officers Randy Roedema and Jason Rosenblatt, being tried together, was scheduled to start on July 10 but, was postponed, with no new date set at that time.

The indictment was followed by a series of other events. In September 2022, well after the grand jury indictment, Adams County announced, the original 2019 autopsy report had been amended. It now stated the means as "COMPLICATIONS OF KETAMINE ADMINISTRATION FOLLOWING FORCIBLE RESTRAINT". However, the cause of death was still listed as "UNDETERMINED", rather than "homicide". Interestingly enough, in November 2021, the city of Aurora agreed to pay the family of Elijah McClain, $15 million to settle a federal civil rights action.

Next week, the first of the three trials is set to begin, as paramedics Cooper and Cichuniec have a court date on August 7. Nathan Woodyard, the first Aurora officer on the scene, will stand trial alone beginning on September 18. The judge that pushed back the Roedema and Rosenblatt case, expressed hopes for a rescheduling by October. Three years will have elapsed since Elijah McClain's death, before any proceedings against police will begin. That fact alone underscores other findings of "implicit bias" in regard to racial and disability justice. Unfortunately, that problem is not limited to Colorado.

It's reported that over 1100 people were killed by police in 2022, other reports say, "half of people killed by police have a disability". It seems to be a dangerous time if someone decides another is different, especially if that someone has authority. People with disabilities are not a "new thing", and represent about 26% of the US population. Why should it be necessary to teach those sworn to "serve and protect", basics like: understanding, accommodation, proper communication, and preservation of dignity, when it comes to invisible disability? Can things like human decency, actually be taught with "adequate training"? Considering Elijah and the story of Christian Glass, is it any wonder many individuals with invisible disabilities, are afraid to call police for help? How many such crimes are covered up or not reported? Will an ID card really change anything? More importantly, why did so many have to suffer, before anyone heard them call... "I'm just different. I'm just different, that's all".

OutOfExile_IDR © 2023

Elijah McClain's last words: CW
"I can't breathe. I have my ID right here. My name is Elijah McClain. That's my house. I was just going home. I'm an introvert. I'm just different. That's all. I'm so sorry. I have no gun. I don't do that stuff. I don't do any fighting. Why are you attacking me? I don't even kill flies! I don't eat meat! But I don't judge people, I don't judge people who do eat meat. Forgive me. All I was trying to do was become better. I will do it. I will do anything. Sacrifice my identity, I'll do it. You all are phenomenal. You are beautiful and I love you. Try to forgive me. I'm a mood Gemini. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Ow, that really hurt! You are all very strong. Teamwork makes the dream work. [after vomiting] Oh, I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to do that. I just can't breathe correctly."

PART ONE: https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/110710011783405013

PART TWO: https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/110732685184804207

PART THREE; https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/110738275935209052

PART FOUR – Christian Glass: https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/110755046372094242

Half of People Killed by Police Have a Disability: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/half-people-killed-police-suffer-mental-disability-report-n538371

Six minute video analysis of Elijah McClain's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGlHMZQtO7U

Full 3 hour video including multiple officers body cam footage and Elijah McClain's mother attempting to get answers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5NcyePEOJ8

Adams County Sheriff – no charges in the death of Elijah McClain: https://kdvr.com/news/problem-solvers/elijah-mcclain-indictments-why-colorado-ag-filed-charges-when-adams-da-didnt/?ipid=promo-link-block2

Adams County coroner amendments autopsy report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6WPP3-8AwU includes video of the incident

Timeline, analysis of body cam footage in Elijah McClain case: https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/elijah-mcclain/elijah-mcclain-body-camera-video-analysis-timeline/73-68537e78-add9-4e66-97c6-a22c080b1e1e

Police mock the death of Elijah McClain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giOB3LJj_g0

Accused killers plead not guilty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUU-xE-uouQ

Protesters targeted: https://www.thecut.com/2021/10/how-aurora-colorado-police-cover-up-misconduct-and-brutality.html

"Hundreds of Officers That Have Been Labeled Liars. Some Still Help Send People to Prison": https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2019/10/14/brady-lists-police-officers-dishonest-corrupt-still-testify-investigation-database/2233386001/

Example of Aurora PD's racial profiling: https://sentinelcolorado.com/metro/police-courts/aurora-cop-who-shot-boy-14-part-of-unlawful-search-settlement-of-black-man/

Legal analysis by Wolfberg and Wirth: https://www.ems1.com/legal/articles/legal-analysis-what-the-paramedic-criminal-charges-in-the-elijah-mcclain-case-mean-for-ems-wIPxkOn0Hn4ToKVk/

Wikipedia page containing a link to the 911 call and police body camera: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Elijah_McClain

#Justice4Elijah #ActuallyAutistic #BLM #InvisibleDisabilityRights #EndAbleism #POC #EndRacism #change #disability #accommodation #understanding #DisabilityCommunity #SpeakUp4Change #DisabilitySolidarity #MentalHealth #DisabilityRights #decency #dignity #SocialJustice #EndBigotry #PoliceViolence #NoJusticeNoPeace #StopKillingUs #ICantBreathe #TearDownTheWall
@disabilityjustice @disability @actuallyautistics

Disability ID and Disability Deaths – How Police Killed Elijah McClain
CONTENT WARNING (CW): The details and linked videos of this event may be disturbing to some. Image-eye contact.

Even with the positives disability designator IDs might bring, it's unlikely a card will prevent authorities from abusing and killing people with invisible disabilities. Aside from a change in attitudes, there are still far too many, long-overdue reforms needed. Many instances of police induced death involving the disabled, including people with autism, brain injury, and hearing impairments, were blamed on the victim. Most were, in fact, a direct result of: Ablest attitudes (ignorance), use of excessive force, and unacceptable treatment attributed to inadequate training. Utilizing invisible disabilities to scapegoat victims and bury the case, is another tactic often employed but, "inadequate training", is not what has killed so many people with disabilities.

Mentioned in part three of this piece, the history of one particular force, is a prime demonstration of a "pattern and practice", that has destroyed lives and families of people with invisible disabilities. According to other investigations, Aurora Colorado's pattern of policing, has raised concerns of implicit bias towards the disabled, POC and other marginalized people. Perhaps, one of the most famous examples from that city, is the death of a 23-year-old black man with autism and anemia, Elijah McClain. That case, sparked outrage from both the disabled and black communities, and with the first of three homicide trials set to begin in August, now is not the time to forget what happened to Elijah. The demeaning and despicable treatment he was subjected to, is not uncommon in "policing" of the disabled.

August 24, 2019: Elijah McClain, a massage therapist, violinist and "gentle soul", was walking home from a convenience store not, far from his home. Because of his anemia, which often made him feel cold, he was known to where a ski mask. On his way home, someone in a house he passed called police to report an unarmed, "sketchy" individual. Minutes Later, Aurora PD's Nathan Woodyard saw Elijah walking to his home and stopped. Within 9 sec. of exiting his car, Woodyard had his hands on Elijah McClain. Just seconds later, officers Randy Roedema and Jason Rosenblatt showed up, also engaging with Elisha. As he explained he was an "introvert" and was "just walking home", one of the officers responded, "Relax, or I'm going to have to change this situation".

The officers had McClain against the wall before taking the five feet seven, 143 lb man to the ground. One of their body cameras was detached and landed in the grass, capturing an officer slowly walking out of view. With Elijah and police no longer being filmed clearly, one officer can be heard claiming, "he just grabbed your gun dude". Within four seconds of the allegation, Elijah can be heard choking as a result of police applying the carotid restraint, restricting his airflow. FOUR SECONDS?! One of the officers later told investigators that McClain "briefly" fell unconscious and the officers released their grasp on his neck. The chokehold was implemented only one min. and four sec. after the first officer exited his vehicle. The three officers involved, Woodyard, Rosenblatt and Roedema, all claimed their body cameras "fell off " in the "struggle" with this small statured young man.

The video footage is very difficult to listen to. Elijah McClain can be heard gasping as he pleads with officers to stop, saying, "I can't breathe". Elijah continues to plead, saying his name and that he was "just going home". Through his sobs, came the words myself and many others with invisible disabilities, will never forget. "I'm just different. I'm just different, that's all". It's hard to hear the police on the audio of one body cam but, Elijah's words are clear… "I'm so sorry. I have no gun. I don't do that stuff. I don't do any fighting. Why are you attacking me?". As officers ignore his pleas, they seem to spin tales of their "struggle" with a 143 pound person. One repeated the accusation that McClain tried to grab officer Roedema's gun, and that they "had" to use the carotid hold.

About six minutes after the initial contact by police, Elijah McClain can be heard vomiting for the first time. One of the officers commands him to "STOP" to which McClain apologized saying, "I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to do that. I just can't breathe correctly". In the next few minutes, McClain gets sick "a few more times" while officers held him facedown on the ground, telling him repeatedly to stop resisting. Reports say he was also handcuffed and still wearing the ski mask when he was sick, and as a result, was struggling to breathe. He may have been trying to roll on his side or remove the mask to breathe better, as police seemed to be acting out a show of "resisting arrest" for the body cam audio.

Police can be heard threatening him, "Don't get up. It's not gonna be good for you, I'm telling you right now". Another officer standing over him said "You keep messin' around, I'm unna bring my dog out here", saying he would let the dog attack Elijah. Approximately 11 minutes after the initial contact by officer Woodyard, the cameras capture police saying, "When the ambulance gets here, were gonna go ahead and give him some ketamine". This is also when they claimed "whatever he's on, he has incredible strength." Another concurs "yeah, crazy strength". It's alarming that police and individuals of such character, have authority to mandate the administering of this powerful sedative.

The timing of the accusation that Elijah McClain attempted to grab the firearm, only seconds after body cams were removed, is highly suspect. Again, McClain was 143 lbs, being held by three much larger men. While one of the officer's body cam was still attached, another can be heard telling him to "move" his camera. I don't believe the body cams dislodged, and firmly believe these accused murderers doffed them. The Maclean's attorney said police intentionally removed their body cameras "to support a false allegation that McClain reached for a gun". Though it is not clear on the video, there is absolutely, no doubt in my mind. The same is true, regarding their claims for body cam audio that Elijah was "struggling". If he was struggling, it was likely for air and survival.

The report from paramedics, Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec claimed that when they arrived, Elijah was displaying signs of "excited delirium". The snap "diagnosis" was made, despite never touching, talking to, or checking Maclean's vitals. Were these paramedics scapegoating in an effort to protect their fellow first responders? After incorrectly estimating his weight, the paramedics administered 500 mg of ketamine to McClain, a dosage for someone nearly 60 to 70 pounds larger. For those who believe in forcibly drugging people, the proper ketamine dosage for Elijah's weight, is about 325 mg. Approximately 23 minutes after Nathan Woodyard stopped "to talk" to McClain, the officers responsible were informed, Elijah, had no pulse. Less than a week later, he was declared brain-dead on August 27, 2019, and died, three days later on the 30th.

According to cpr.org–CPR news: "After McClain’s death, Dr. Stephen Cina, a contractor forensic pathologist for Adams County, completed the autopsy on Sept. 3, 2019. There were two Aurora police officers and two representatives from the Adams County District Attorney’s office in attendance". I'd be interested to hear that conversation, considering the findings of the autopsy. The Adams County corner ruled the cause of death as "undetermined" saying that, "a therapeutic amount" of ketamine was found in Maclean's system. The report, reeking of scapegoating, speculated about drug use and undiagnosed mental illness, while seeming to conclude nothing but suppositional "ifs".

Excerpt from Dr. Cina's report: "The manner of death may be accident if it was an idiosyncratic drug reaction,” . “It may be natural if (McClain) had an undiagnosed mental illness that led to excited delirium, if his intense physical exertion combined with a narrow coronary artery led to an arrhythmia, if he had an asthma attack, or if he aspirated vomit while restrained."... "It may be a homicide if the actions of officers led to his death (eg. carotid control hold…)”.

That's a lot of "Ifs". I can't help but wonder "IF", the presence of officers and DA personnel "may" have influence the doctors findings. In conjunction with the corners "undetermined" autopsy determination, Adams County DA Dave Young said, he would not bring charges against the officers. This seeming manipulation of justice, by those who controlled it, was met with outrage.

Another slap in the face, illuminating the culture of APD, occurred in October 2019, less than two months after Elijah's death. Several other officers returned to the scene, taking pictures while they joyfully reenacted the cardioid hold, used on McClain. In July, 2020, after the photos were made public, three officers were fired and one resigned. It's remarkable that they were fired for mocking and taking pictures, while the officers that killed Elijah were still patrolling the streets. The shouts of "Justice for Elijah", became louder as it seemed this heinous police action was being ignored. Once again, protesters took to the streets.

Protests, investigation, Arrests and trials. Conclusion – "Justice for Elijah" below.

OutOfExile_IDR © 2023

#Justice4Elijah #ActuallyAutistic #BLM #InvisibleDisabilityRights #EndAbleism #POC #EndRacism #change #disability #accommodation #understanding #DisabilityCommunity #SpeakUp4Change #DisabilitySolidarity #MentalHealth #DisabilityRights #decency #dignity #SocialJustice #EndBigotry #PoliceViolence #NoJusticeNoPeace #StopKillingUs #ICantBreathe #TearDownTheWall
@disabilityjustice @disability @actuallyautistics

5/
What if I was disabled... but independent enough to navigate a store without asking for help.

I HATE asking for help. I can't imagine being disabled and being forced to.

So livid.

Kohl's this is a very bad look.

Anybody know if this is not #ADA compliant?

/rant

#disabled #LongCovid #PEM
#DisabledCommunity  #EndAbleism

4/
more than once.

A customer in the parking lot even came to help. Opened the door and took a few boxes off.

When we got on the door, other clerks were all, "There are carts there" thinking they were being helpful.

🤬

I was so out of breath doing the returns (still in my #Mask) from all of that... I'm still livid. I'm abled except for #LongCovid #PEM #aFib and #OutOfBreath and all I could think of, & vocalized more than once..

#disabled #LongCovid #PEM
#DisabledCommunity  #EndAbleism

3/
... Still livid and I felt bad for the kid who offered to come out and help me...and if you know me, I HATE when people call young people "kids"... but he was that young. Helpful but quiet and I don't think he was sure I wouldn't lose my shit. I thanked him profusely. He doesn't make these asinine decisions after all.

At my car he stacked boxes up LITERALLY to his eyeballs. And I had as many as I could carry. Dropped some...

#disabled #LongCovid #PEM
#DisabledCommunity  #EndAbleism

2/
No. I don't mean like some Targets and other stores have where you can't leave the parking lot with a cart...

You can't even use the cart to take your huge bag of clothes... A few pair of shoes... A KITCHEN AID to your car.

Nope. Gotta ask for help. And they do NOT staff with enough people in the first place.

I matched back to the#Amazon return desk and asked how I was supposed to bring my boxes in. I was polite but...

#disabled #LongCovid #PEM
#DisabledCommunity  #EndAbleism

Oh wow oh wow oh wow

Ok. So.

I walked into Kohl's to get a cart to bring to my car to put some returns into. It was a lot of boxes. Amazon returns.

I get close to the door and

*ERRRRK!*

The cart locks up. I'm looking to see what I ran over that is jammed in the wheel but I don't see anything.

A clerk, who has a line of customers is yelling at me from way over there 👉 that you can't take cars out of the store anymore.

#disabled #LongCovid #PEM
#DisabledCommunity  #EndAbleism

1/

"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 #DisabilityCommunity issue – It's something everyone should be standing against.

OutOfExile­_IDR ™ – © 2023

Identification card from IDA: https://invisibledisabilities.org/national-disability-id/national-disability-id-card/

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

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

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

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

Federal Bill – US HB-7217: https://legiscan.com/US/bill/HB7217/2021

"Invisible Man" image by Nangreenly: https://pixabay.com/users/nangreenly-10829698/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3843385

#disability #DisabilityRights #equality #change #InvisibleDisabilityRights #NationalDisabilityID #InvisibleDisabilitiesAssociation #accommodation #understanding #DisabilityCommunity #SpeakUp4Change #DisabilitySolidarity #ActuallyAutistic #TBI #HearingImpairment #aphasia #OCD #MentalHealth #decency #respect #dignity #humanity #SocialJustice #EndAbleism #stigmatude #TearDownTheWall

@actuallyautistics
@actuallyautistic @disabilityjustice @disability

The Feds are suing Amazon for alleged "deceptive consumer practices". The FTC action claims that Amazon "tricked" customers into signing up for "Amazon Prime" and then made it difficult for them to cancel.

Amazon and other corporations being difficult and deceptive? This is new information? Does this mean there will be more of this coming for other "giants of commerce"? One would think considering how common this is.

Amazon is known to OutOfExile_IDR for instances of ableism and harrasment by customer service, logistics and, even at the corporate level. "Difficulty" and "deception" has always been a given. Despite the number of interactions in my personal "Amazon experience", I have never been a member nor, have I ever purchased anything from that entity.

Image courtesy of:
https://www.metro.us/anti-amazon-campaigners-in-france/

Story links - Select the "slant".
Pick your publication.

https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/21/23768372/ftc-amazon-lawsuit-prime-dark-patterns-subscriptions

https://www.businessinsider.com/ftc-alleges-amazon-duped-customers-into-prime-subscriptions-2023-6?op=1

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/ftc-sues-amazon-deceptive-prime-sign-cancellation-process-rcna90375

#StopAmazon #FTC #Amazon #Lawsuit #CorporateDeception #Greed #AmAssZon
#AmazonPrime #BuyLocal #EndAbleism #TearDownTheWall #InvisibleDisabilityRights

"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:
https://www.phillyvoice.com/school-bus-driver-duct-tape-upper-darby-student-delaware-county/

https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/bus-driver-accused-of-duct-taping-10-year-old-boy-on-bus/3575865/

Boy with autism in Virginia:
https://www.propublica.org/article/schools-restraints-seclusions

Girl with ADHD and other abuse in Connecticut:
https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/connecticut-schools-restraint-seclusion-injuries-17474991.php

Xavier Hernandez death from a disability standpoint:
https://neuroclastic.com/xavier-hernandez-fort-worth-autism-restraint-death/#content

Hernandez - Death by medication and restraint:
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crossroads-lab/article253421369.html

Image courtesy of: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/young-disabled-students-shackled-misbehaving-lawsuit-claims-n403421

#Education #ActuallyAutistic #ADHA #PTSD #CPSTD #ChildEducation #abuse #advocacy #disability #InvisibleDisability #TBI #InvisibleDisabilityRights #DownSyndrome #BrainInjury #EndAbleism #AbleistHateCrime #accommodation #CommunityIntergration #stigmatude #TearDownTheWall
#DOE #action #DepartmentOfEducation

@actuallyautistic @disabilityjustice @disability

@taon
Shopping at "Target" and vacationing in Florida should be boycotted for much more than a day in response to the Ableist and anti-LGBTQIA actions of both.

Desantis - Florida:
https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/110381275316663044

Target removes Pride:
https://kolektiva.social/@OutOfExile_IDR_Voice/110426005931337191

#boycott #TargetStores #exclusion #EndAbleism #StopHomophobia #censorship #CivilRights #LGBTQRights #EndBigotry #equality #inclusion #diversity #Desantis #Florida #fascism #StopHate #Love4All #LoveOneAnother #TearDownTheWall

May 28 - June 3 is #NationalAccessAbilityWeek in #Canada 👐

#NAAW is a week dedicated to #accessibility & #inclusion in #Canada 👍 In celebration of this week, please learn about & support organizations working to #RemoveBarriers & create #opportunities for #Canadians with a #disability 💥💫

#DisabilityCanada #EndAbleism #AccessibilityMatters #DisabledInCommunity #SupportAccessForDisabled #HumamRights #IncludeDisabled #SupportAccessForDisabled #Marginalized #StopDisabledStigma #DifferentlyAble

#Target, who is well known to OutOfExile_IDR - Invisible Disability Rights for acts of #ableism, has now turned it's sights to exclude the #LGBTQIA+ community. If you'd like a t-shirt printed with sayings that force religious beliefs or threaten gun violence, no problem. If you want certain "pride" clothing, Target says, not in our stores.

The retail tyrant... I retail mean giant, announced "it was taking some LGBTQ-themed merchandise off the shelves", citing "anti-LGBT threats". They seem to be making it clear who their preferred "Target market" is. Who will they "Target" next?

https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/-target-pride-merchandise-lgbtq-designers-pulled-criticism-rcna86036

#boycott #TargetStores #exclusion #StopHomophobia #censorship #InvisibleDisabilityRights #EndAbleism #LGBTQRights #EndBigotry #TearDownTheWall

“Fascism in Florida? - DeSantis defunds equality in education and attacks inclusion… Again.

Florida's Burgermeister, Despicable Desantis signs legislation to #defund diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs at state colleges and universities.  A link to Florida “Senate bill-266” is below with others regarding “Raging Ron’s” recent campaigns against personal choice.  DeSantis has been very busy undermining individual freedom in many ways.

The signing of SB-266, which prohibits public universities from using state funds for (DEI) diversity, equity and inclusion programs, seems likely to effect all marginalized groups in the Sunshine State, including the #DisabilityCommunity.  Will the Americans with Disabilities Act be under attack next?   Will this lead to a rash of violations of the ADA?

The LGBTQIA+ community was not excluded from Florida’s acts of exclusion.  Aside from SB-266, Desantis’ signing of Senate Bill 1580, allows “healthcare providers and insurers to deny a patient care on the basis of religious, moral, or ethical beliefs”. Considering the absence of morals or ethics with many, this is outright dangerous.
The bill also “bars Medical Boards from disciplining doctors for spreading misinformation”.   SB-1580 also opens the door for discrimination in hiring.

Will the “religious, ethical or moral beliefs” of some providers be used to exclude individuals practicing Judaism or Islam from receiving medical treatment, as well.   “Sorry, the doctor will not see you now because you are not Christian, CIS/HET, white, abled, neurotypical or a fascist“.   Is this a preview of what to expect if he is elected in 2024?

Just like an annoying infomercial,  “wait there’s more".  A 5th grade Hernando county teacher is under state investigation for showing the Disney movie Strange World to her class, because it has a gay character.  The storyline of a boy who had a crush on another boy was called “inappropriate”.  Will Florida ask Disney to stop making such movies or ask them to leave the state, citing “indoctrnation" to the “woke agenda"?

Florida's economy relys heavily on tourism.  There is no state income tax because of tourist spending and sales tax.  Perhaps defunding Florida by vacationing elsewhere is one good way to respond.   FYI, #California oranges are equally equal delicious and do not have that aftertaste of blatant bigotry.  Perhaps, the state may want to consider replacing the “orange” on their license plate with another food item… a loaf of white bread. 

Don't forget the ALT text.

Desantis defunds DEI: https://www.npr.org/2023/05/15/1176210007/florida-ron-desantis-dei-ban-diversity

What is SB266: https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/whats-sb-266-desantis-signs-college-culture-war-bill-into-law/3034800/

SB 266, the bill: https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/266

SB 1580, “A License to Discriminate in Healthcare": https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/breaking-gov-desantis-signs-extreme-license-to-discriminate-healthcare-bill

Truthout .org on SB 1580: https://truthout.org/articles/floridas-latest-anti-lgbtq-law-legalizes-medical-discrimination/

Advocate .com on SB 1580: https://www.advocate.com/politics/ron-desantis-discriminate-law-lgbtq

SB 1580, the bill: https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1580

“Florida teacher investigated by DeSantis admin for showing Disney Film" (USA Today):
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2023/05/14/florida-teacher-investigated-by-desantis-admin-for-showing-disney-film/70216872007/

Disney vs DeSantis history: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2023-04-26/everything-to-know-about-the-disney-desantis-fight

Disney – DeSantis feud timeline: https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2023/05/16/graphics-timeline-illustrates-bitter-details-of-disney-desantis-dispute/11750086002/

Disney vs DeSantis goes to class: https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/23/05/32425717/disney-vs-desantis-now-goes-directly-to-classroom-with-teacher-under-investigation

#CivilRights #InvisibleDisabilityRights #EndAbleism #EndRacism #LGBTQIARights #BLM #WomensRights  #EndBigotry #StopAsianHate #disability #DisabilitySolidarity #MarginalizedCommunitiesUnite #UnityConquers #equality #inclusion #diversity #TearDownTheWall  #desantis #florida #fascism #StopHate #Love4All #LoveOneAnother #Hypochristians

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 #TearDownTheWall. Without #NeurodivergentThinking, 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:
https://bit.ly/3QyN6aR

Image from this article discussing employers ND stigmatude:
https://www.theglobalrecruiter.com/neurodivergent-failure/

#neurodiversity #neurodivergence #OutsideTheBox #disability #inclusion #diversity #stigmatude
#accommodation #ActuallyAutistic #BrainInjury #TBI #dyslexia #EndAbleism #DisabilitySolidarity #NeurodivergentAndProud #InvisibleDisabilityRights