In a public FB post, the first deaf-autistic person elected to public office asks for help
in how to get accomodations.
The ACLU says it can only help with cases affecting more people. She is or was an occupational therapist in Longmeadow, Massachusetts.
Can anyone think of anyone else who might help her?
Are there any DU lawyers willing to give her advice?
https://www.facebook.com/sarah.a.hernandez?__tn__=lC-R&eid=ARBBvkhimWIQj3Ua7kV0w8IAHlredaIilY1Drxhfn97wvza5I6M_HYBkHVJy-ElsN706QFGHUNyGH7LW&hc_ref=ARSMZwbbddHiKzk4KF5kJod4pPxDEBjmIPMHzUCxEdk17oB3cWPS_6jO4FrHVLLMgZo&__xts__[0]=68.ARCXLvf6NmuuzSXBgkoOKN9u7j7Ql2_gouGmy9r3nmBGckKFd_EXSXjwuxGkQVWw49dALHPPahrHTOdjReL1Psw6exu4WPESt_Sa0oOzLX_O5rTCsAY3_H-KZ8H6o9Eak-2x2n_z0Bw3xZ7qsGcI06jdD0LAQi8WJfkf1xwnA0dK_tAGM9UDthFvuddSKGu_4_3mlQbLqbvM_KfEBQO4YoQg8hzPHh2fpTmF0qxtZSw_lPo
Sarah Selvaggi Hernandez shared a post.
March 11 at 11:22 AM ·
*REQUEST FOR HELP*
As some of you know, I was the first openly autistic person to be elected to public office in the United States. It was a tremendous moment for neurodiversity and it has given me opportunities to bring a neurodiverse, autistic perspective to the table.
However, I am having difficulties with accommodations. The ADA requires all government entities to communicate effectively with people with disabilities. I am autistic and profoundly hard of hearing and need accommodations, especially for complex issues. However, I have been refused these accommodations in what's known as "executive session." Executive session is where we talk about confidential matters; those conversations are protected. I have, at times, been denied those accommodations when requested because "we can't write things down." Many interactions in government are verbal so people can say things like "I don't recall that conversation" and there's no written record to hold them accountable. (Gross.)
The reason I am not entitled to accommodations is an interesting one. Because our town is on the smaller side, our elected positions are volunteer. Because our position isn't an "established program", we are not protected by the ADA. I have reached out to the Department of Justice and had this information confirmed. The ACLU declined to accept my complaint because they typically represent large groups of people and have limited resources. The disability council in CT will follow the guidance of the DoJ.
Here's the difficulty: what occurs in executive session is the one exclusive part of my position. I need access to those communications. Beyond just me - ALL people deserve to be a part of those conversations in the way they communicate. Our perspective matters and we deserve a seat at the table, but this is a significant barrier.
I have been working on this issue for a while now and have 0.0 spoons left. I am not sure what the next step to take is and I need a little guidance. My goal is to ensure that all people are seen and heard in the government process long after my tenure is complete.
Thank you in advance. <3 If you reach out directly, it may take me a moment to respond. I'm low on spoons now, but have been actively working to wash them. (Disability talk - look up spoon theory!)
= new reply since forum marked as read
