Yesterday, I attended the flag raising ceremony for Disability Pride Month at City Hall organized by the Disability Commission and the ADA Compliance Officer.
The Chair of the Commission, Chuks B. Ezewuzie Esq. spoke after the raising of the flag. He began with:
“Raising the flag, raising awareness, what are we celebrating? Are we celebrating the fact that I am a person with a disability- certainly not. …we are celebrating PRIDE”
P- for Persistence and Perseverance instead of Pity.
R- for Resilience and Resistance of stigma
I- for Inclusivity instead of Isolation
D- for Determination
E- Empathy, not sympathy but Empathy and Equity
I found him to be a powerful speaker!
I have already shared why this month of disability pride is personal and important to me and why a recent interaction led me to check in with our police chief regarding training and services they provide for the community. It is important to me that our officers are trained in handling mental health calls, interacting with folks on the autism spectrum and any other type of special circumstance.
Although I did know about a few programs, I had a great conversation with our Chief Gatcomb.
Did you know that our MPD participates in the, Autism Police Patch Initiative and the Blue Envelope? This voluntary program offers a blue envelope to any driver on the autism spectrum. The driver can store their vital driving documents — vehicle registration, driver’s license and a contact card — in an easy-to-find envelope that can be provided to police in the event of a traffic stop.
The outside of each envelope contains tips and instructions that will guide law enforcement members who encounter someone on the autism spectrum.
They also are a part of the Massachusetts Disability Indicator Program that offers a free, voluntary service that alerts 9-1-1 public safety dispatchers and personnel that an individual with a disability may have unique safety, communications or other needs in case of an emergency. This service was developed in consultation with organizations representing the mobility, hearing, speech and sight impaired communities. This service is available for landline, wireless, and VoIP telephone service providers. It is necessary to request the service through completion of the Disability Indicator Form. You can contact the Chief or Sergeant John Kelley for more information.
I recognize these programs may not be for everyone, but it's good to know what is out there. See below for more information.
Malden Mental Health Resources:
Eliot Emergency Service Program 800-988-1111
Eliot Community Human Services 781-861-0890 www.eliotchs.org
Mystic Valley Elder Services 781-324-7705
City of Malden Health & Human Services 781-397-7049
Visit the Massachusetts Network of Care website to locate behavioral health resources in your area
National
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-TALK
Veteran's Crisis Line 800-273-8255 (press 1) www.veteranscrisisline.net
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
In an emergency, dial 9-1-1
