De-escalating Disability explores the intersectionality of autism, race, policing. On this fourth installment, we take a closer look at policing in South Carolina, speak with the head of the state's criminal justice academy, and hear what others on the frontline of the law are doing to improve relations with the communities they serve. 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 Famil ..read more

De-escalating Disability explores the intersectionality of autism, race, policing. On this episode, we hear what one mother is telling her son with Autism Spectrum Disorder about interacting with police and how she feels officers aren't prepared enough to handle such a situation without it possibly turning into a tragedy. 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 o ..read more

De-escalating Disability explores the intersectionality of autism, race, policing. On this second installment, we speak with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) specialist Dr. Laura Carpenter of the Medical University of South Carolina about the fundamentals of ASD as well as her research into the interaction between people with disabilities and the criminal justice system. 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 ..read more

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 ..read more