What Drives Us
We feel the pain of terror and loss every time we see news about injury or death of anyone with disabilities, most critically when society's failures to support needs causes harm. From denial of treatment and services, to the careless handling of someone in crisis in the medical and mental health system, to neglect, abuse, or exploitation of a person by a caregiver, to injury or death at the hands of those in law enforcement - we constantly review and reflect about how we can help improve these systems, and prevent harm to people locally and across the state. We have built or sponsored programs or training, and continue to influence policy and procedures to prevent harm and increase the quality of care for all. Much of this happens behind the scenes and can be met with resistance from larger systems whose structures are hard to change. And we keep on fighting.
Due to the intense nature of your challenges, often presented by a society who does not see you and will not always help as it should, we do not share stories of violence, injury, or death. We have received criticism for this stance, which is fine - we cannot improve if we refuse to accept feedback. However, it is our goal to publish and post material that provides help, hope, and information. Exposing people to violent images, stories of injury, harm, and loss, only serves to traumatize those who are often already under incredible stress. It is our mission to be an information hub and a lifeline, and publicizing horrifying stories does not support that mission.
We all wanted you to know that we see you, we read what you write, and hear what you tell us. We also read, watch, and listen to the terrible things that happen to human beings we are here to support across the lifespan. We want to emphasize that we are working to reduce the number of those stories every single day, even if that is not evident on the surface. We keep on fighting because the status quo is completely unacceptable in so many areas.
Be well, and lean on us as needed! Please stay connected as often as you can - it helps all of us!