So an adult with autism is dead. Killed in a New York facility for the disabled. Jawara Henry died of asphyxiation. He was just 27.
One of the staff is accused of killing this young man as well as endangering a patient’s welfare. The justice process will now take over and Erik Stanley will be tried to determine his guilt or innocence.
The death was a result of a restraint incident. Erik Stanley is alleged to have used excessive pressure on the patient’s neck and torso.
It does matter if the accused is found guilty or innocent. It matters to the family and it is important as a matter of justice.
However, convicting one person of improperly using restraint techniques will not solve the problem that plagues our institutions, group homes and schools. The barbaric techniques of seclusion and restraint will still be used. Children and adults with disabilities will still be at risk.
It is time to re-evaluate the use of physical restraints. It is time to re-evaluate the use of seclusion. Restraint and seclusion have resulted in the death of children and adults with disabilities over and over again. Jawara is just one of the latest victims.
Justice needs to be done for Jawara. But justice also needs to be done for all those who will be restrained and secluded in the future. It is time to put a stop to the abuse of the disabled. It is time to put restrictions on restraint and seclusion.
Let us make as much noise as we can. Keep squeaking someone will listen.
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