My friends at mindfreedom.org passed along an important news release to me about tonight’s Nightline show. Given my late brother’s connection with Nightline (Leroy served as Executive Producer for many years), I am more than happy to do so.
The issue under discussion is the use of restraint and electric shock on children and adults with severe disabilities. Back in the 60s, UCLA’s Ivar Lovaas came under considerable fire for suggesting electric shock used in operant condition to stop self-injurious behavior. Dr. Matthew Israel’s rebuttal to the MDRI’s concerns on behalf of the Judge Rotenberg Center, linked below, presents a similar view.
As the parent of a daughter with autism, this is a very painful topic, as I can’t imagine allowing anyone to hurt my child. In 2010, we have to find better ways of managing problem behavior. At the same time, I have not had to face the challenges of the parents and families served by the JRC.
You can read the Judge Rotenberg rebuttal to the MDRI here.
Washington, DC – June 30, 2010 – Mental Disability Rights
International’s (MDRI) latest report and “urgent appeal” to the United
Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, to demand the United States
government end the torture of people with disabilities immediately,
will be the topic of tonight’s ABC Nightline.
Torture not Treatment: Electric Shock and Long-Term Restraint in the
United States on Children and Adults with Disabilities at the Judge
Rotenberg Center (JRC), documents the use of electric shocks on the
legs, arms, torsos and soles of feet of children and adults with
disabilities – for weeks, months and sometimes years. JRC uses
punishments as treatment and US advocates have been trying for decades
to close the school and end these practices.
Nightline host, Cynthia McFadden, interviewed MDRI Executive Director
Eric Rosenthal, JD and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on
Torture, Manfred Nowak for the piece.
Laurie Ahern, President of MDRI and author of the report, states, “The
cruelty perpetrated against children and adults at JRC is
psychological and physical abuse, couched in the name of ‘treatment.’
The severe pain and suffering leveled against residents there violates
the United Nations Convention against Torture.”
MDRI is an international human rights organization dedicated to the
rights protection and full participation in society of people with
disabilities worldwide.
ABC Nightline airs at 11:30 pm EST, following your local news. Be sure
and check your local listings.
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1 Comment
V i x · June 30, 2010 at 11:14 pm
As your daughter with autism, I thank you for writing this post. It’s nice to know that you care for those that have disabilities (including autism). But don’t worry about anyone hurting me because I am one big strong girl and I know how to fight and protect myself. I also know what safety is myself so nothing to worry about.
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