The Problem- 

43% of people with disabilities are arrested at least once by age 28 in the United States of America, and racial disparities are involved.[1] For example, African Americans with disabilities experience a 53% chance of being arrested by the same age. [2] It’s clear people with disabilities will benefit from disability-centered community support.

The Solution-

Accessible Public Safety is the delivery of robust and clearly cohesive set of disability-centered community support services that help prevent people with disabilities from encountering the American criminal system, and better supports them in sustaining progress in the community during the diversion and reentry process.

Background Information-

The Accessible Public Safety Conference aims to provide a space for institutions of higher education, community-based organizations, and impacted people with disabilities and their families with an opportunity to discuss issues related to experiences with law enforcement, correctional institutions, and the importance of disability-centered community-based support.

Date, Time, and Location-

The Accessible Public Safety Conference will take place on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023, from 8:30am – 4:30pm both virtually and in-person. Please state in the form whether you plan to attend virtually or in-person. If you plan to attend virtually, a link will be sent to you prior to the event. The in-person location will be with the Northwestern Pritzker Law School Center for Racial and Disability Justice at 375 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611-3069.

Conference Partners-

Access Living, a leading voice force in the disability community that challenges stereotypes, protects civil rights, and champion for social forms and has a long history of doing what it takes to make sure people with disabilities can live the lives they choose.

Northwestern Pritzker Law Center for Racial and Disability Justice (CRDJ), a first-of-its-kind center dedicated to promoting justice for people of color, people with disabilities, and individuals at the intersection of race and disability.

Lawndale Christian Legal Center (LCLC), Chicago-based community organization that connects high risk court involved in the North Lawndale Neighborhood with legal and social services within the community.

For Additional Details- 

Contact: Chris Huff, Diversion and Reentry Policy Analyst, Access Living chuff@accessliving.org, or by phone (312) 640 -2131.

[1],2 Erin J. McCauley, 2017: The Cumulative Probability of Arrest by Age 28 Years in the United States by Disability Status, Race/Ethnicity, and Gender. American Journal of Public Health 107, 1977_1981