People with Disabilities in the Criminal Justice System: Promising Legislation for Statewide Reforms

Join NCCJD as we delve into the stories that created statewide movements to pass legislation impacting people with disabilities in the criminal justice system as either suspects or victims of crime. Over the past two years, NCCJD has been compiling a database of such legislation in order to help criminal justice and disability professionals understand this issue from a national viewpoint and get an idea of what type of legislation is being passed and why. A brief overview of current findings will be discussed by NCCJD’s Program Manager. Other speakers will highlight legislation passed in Maryland inspired by Ethan Saylor’s death to establish a program to effectively train people with disabilities to meaningfully participate in law enforcement trainings. Colorado experts will discuss their collaborative role in successfully passing state legislation that allows crime victims with disabilities to have access to hearsay exception in order to ensure their full participation in the justice process. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn how to make changes in your state!