\u201cToo many times people with disabilities come into contact with the criminal justice system and the outcome is anything but just.\u201d<\/p>\n
The opening words of a new video created by The Arc\u2019s National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability (NCCJD), the Pathways to Justice Introduction Video<\/em>, powerfully highlight the broad lack of justice for people with disabilities within America\u2019s criminal justice system. This four and a half minute video introduces the Pathways to Justice Model, and integral part of the Pathways to Justice training program being piloted by five chapters of The Arc. The Pathways to Justice Training Curriculum helps build the capacity of the criminal justice system to effectively identify, serve, and protect people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I\/DD), many of whom have \u201cmild\u201d disabilities that often go unnoticed among criminal justice professionals without appropriate training. The video points out why communities should seek additional training for criminal justice professionals.<\/p>\n Navigating the criminal justice system, as a suspect, offender, witness, or victim, is daunting for anyone. For people with I\/DD and their families, there can be insurmountable obstacles to obtaining justice. The new Pathways to Justice<\/em> Introduction Video<\/em> highlights specific cracks in the criminal justice system through the telling of real life stories by people with disabilities and by their family members.<\/p>\n Take James\u2019 story. James Meadours is a powerful self-advocate with intellectual disabilities who experienced multiple victimizations throughout his life\u2014without anyone every knowing. As an adult, James was raped in his own apartment. He found the courage to reach out for help, leading to the successful prosecution of his attacker and the revelation that there had been multiple victimizations throughout James\u2019 life. While this story ended positively with the attacker held accountable for the crime and James empowering others with his self-advocacy, society overall must do a better job creating safer lives in the community for people with disabilities. Research supports the fact that multiple victimizations are quite common among people with disabilities\u2014this is unacceptable. James did not have to suffer in silence alone for so many years, we as a society can do better.<\/p>\n Using the Pathways to Justice<\/em> Model, NCCJD aims to build collaborative relationships within the criminal justice and disability professions, creating solutions to identify, prevent, and stop injustices faced by people with disabilities. The Pathways to Justice<\/em> Introduction Video<\/em> debuted at The Arc\u2019s National Convention in New Orleans with positive reviews, and was played at The Arc of North Carolina\u2019s State Convention the following week. Chapters have already begun requesting copies to take to local law enforcement and criminal justice professionals as a way to effectively demonstrate the need for quality training on disability issues.<\/p>\n