News

De-escalating Disability Episode 1

South Carolina Public Radio | By Gavin Jackson

Published February 2, 2021 at 12:26 PM EST

De-escalating Disability explores the intersectionality of autism, race, policing — breaking down the myths surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), hear from those affected, and meet those pushing for awareness and making change.

On this first episode, we examine issues of excessive force practices used by police officers, especially when they involve unarmed individuals and people of color. Factoring in a person living with ASD, and the resulting breakdown of miscommunication and perceived threat, can lead to troubling incidents with sometimes lethal consequences.

A collaborative effort, the idea for De-escalating Disability originated out of the Riley Institute’s Diversity Leaders Initiative last year. Jackson, a participant in the initiative’s Midlands Class XIII, worked with his peers in Group One, which included Family Connection of South Carolina Chief Executive Director Amy Holbert, to brainstorm and outline the project.