Letter to the Editor: Disability Rights for People Who Matter
One Patch reader speaks out on the issue.
Letter to the Editor: By Venus Heard
I strongly believe that disabled people are thought of as being unimportant because they are different from the norm of society.The norm of society consists of people who do not have any physical or mental impairment. I want to state a few facts, and why I do not think the punishments are severe enough for the crimes that people commit against anyone with a disability.
I need to say something here about these so called “disability laws" that are set to protect disabled people against abuse and discrimination. These laws do not work because no one pays attention to them. I am a disability advocate and I am disabled myself from a severe traumatizing accident in 1984. Today, I am an able-bodied disabled person. Meaning, I can walk, talk and do everything on my own so I feel that due to my remarkable recovery, I need to stand up for disabled people everywhere and be a voice for them.
Just because a person is disabled, does not mean that they do not have a voice. They may not be able to tell you what is wrong due to multiple reasons, if you see, hear or witness abuse of any disabled person–it is your duty as a responsible person with morals and values to say something. Disabled people need to be heard because they are people with feelings and have families just as all of us do. This has been going on for far too long and it is time that someone stands up for these people who cannot speak for themselves. Their rights through are being violated!
I read a story that just appalled me about abuse against disabled people who do not have a say in the way they are treated and cared for at this school for special needs children. Matthew Israel, who is the Judge Rotenberg Center's founder and executive director, has been in the spotlight over the past decade for controversial shock-therapy treatments practiced at the facility. He was ordered to serve probation for five years. Should Israel violate the terms of his probation, he could be further prosecuted.
The laws were set for disabled people in order to protect them, not to be ignored. I also do not think that the legal ramifications to those accused of breaking these laws against the disabled are severe enough. People who break these laws need to be held accountable through the courts and the legal justice system. I need to speak my mind here and say that I'm very appalled by all the stories of disabled people being abused and how people are just placed on probation and are allowed to just basically walk away, such as Matthew Israel.
George Deabold
6:38 pm on Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Did Dr. Matthew Israel get away with murder ? ?
http://www.aspiesforfreedom.com/showthread.php?tid=625
In my opionion Matthew Israel took a plea deal that had to do with a possible cover up.
So what about the people that died in his care ?? was incrimanating evidance destroyed in those cases ?
Emily Malabey
12:21 am on Thursday, June 30, 2011
I applaud Venus Heard for the letter we see here on Canton Patch.
The statement "These laws do not work because no one pays attention to them" is true in many environments in our society from the school systems, health care systems and so on. It has often been said that laws and protections that are in place are often ignored or outright violated due to the fact there is no "policemen" on duty. It is an outrage for many advocates, self advocates and parent advocates across the world. We as advocates need to unite and empower each other in order to ensure the civil, human and legal rights of all people, with all abilities are respected. ICAA (The International Coalition for Autism and All Abilities) is involved on several levels of advocacy for people with different abilities. There is information on our website right now concerning the Judge Rotenberg Center. Please check out the information there http://www.internationalautismcoalition.org/
I want to thank all advocates like Venus Heard for stepping up and walking the talk.
Sincerely,
Emily J.A. Malabey
ellanipple cornbread
8:20 am on Tuesday, July 5, 2011
I take my hat off to you venus ! The rotenberg Center has been ignored for to long.
Matthew Israel should be further prosecuted.The laws that protect children and disabled people should not be ignored. Dr.israel and the JRC staff should be charged with child abuse.
Anita Perez
10:11 pm on Saturday, July 9, 2011
Venus the problem is lack of oversight and a pure lack of compassion. I can't believe that the people of canton wont speak out about the long term abuse that goes on at the center. I think they are worried about a pay check more than children.
Nancy Milton
3:46 pm on Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The problem is that often, parents are told that the Judge Rotenberg Center is the best (or only) place for their son or daughter. There has been nowhere for parents to learn what really goes on there. Parents do not know the truth before they send their children there. It is a fallacy that there are no alternatives for children and adults with dangerous behaviors, short of being medicated or wasting away in the back ward of a state-run institution. Individuals just like those at the Judge Rotenberg Center and, in fact students who used to be at the Center, are being well served and leading meaningful, included lives with the support of humane, effective programs across the country. Because quality, positive alternatives exist, this treatment of our most vulnerable citizens should not be tolerated.
Matthew Swenson
11:12 pm on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Care to name a few effective alternatives and where these institutions are? Thank You, Matthew Swenson
Thomas Ruggiero
8:38 pm on Sunday, July 17, 2011
Venus you go girl ! Israel should be put in jail. They should not have let the loser walk.
Lets hope DCS finds him to be a child abuser ! !
Orus Gutkovich
10:15 pm on Sunday, July 17, 2011
I don't see Dr.Israel getting away. I know George Deabold filed two reports against the center. I also know that Mr. Deabold will push to get some justice for the abused children. This guy's a pitt bull once he got a taste of Israels red Butt / meat it was all over for Dr.Israel . Mr.Deabold does not take prisoners,He ends Careers! George Deabold Pushed for the charges to be filed. I think the Judge Rotenberg Center and Dr. Israel has met their match ! FYI - George Deabold told me that Dr.Israel was going down before it was in the papers.
Mark Lincon
1:31 pm on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Matthew Israel should be further prosecuted. Dr. Israel should be put in jail !
I can't believe that the people of canton wont speak out about the long term abuse that goes on at the center.
George Deabold
6:42 pm on Monday, June 25, 2012
I just got a call ! This bill passed last thursday and now its off to the Governor.Its the end of the road for The Judge Rotenberg Center !! The bill was approved by the NY State Senate and now its off to the Govenor. JRC can kiss the NY funding GoodBye...
http://m.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S6294A-2011 Its just about over for The Judge Rotenberg Center - The bill passed last thursday and now its off to the Governor.
http://m.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S6294A-2011Itsm.nysenate.gov
http://m.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S6294A-2011Its
m.nysenate.gov