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1/31/2022

in texas, people with autism can alert police with driver's license

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For many people with autism, it can be hard to interact with other people. It can be especially challenging when people with autism encounter law enforcement personnel. People with autism can be slow to respond to questions or commands and may not understand an officer's request. Miscommunication in the face of law enforcement can have unfortunate, and sometimes deadly, consequences. Most police officers have little to no training on how to recognize, communicate with, and respond to individuals with autism while out in the field.​

The advocacy group, Autism Speaks, encourages people with autism to bring cards or handouts to present to law enforcement and security personnel. But Texas has now made it easier for individuals to advise the police of possible communication challenges. In 2017, the Texas legislature passed a measure that would encourage people with autism to utilize the state’s “communication impediment code” to help alleviate any issues in communicating with law enforcement.

What is a Communication Impediment Code?

A communication impediment code is a notice placed on a driver's license or identification card that should notify law enforcement looking at the license that the person has a health condition that may impede their ability to communicate. The code is printed on the back of the license where it would not be evident to most people glancing at the license.
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To qualify for the communication impediment code, an individual must complete a Physician's Statement Form and submit it with their driver's license or ID card application. Registration for the code is entirely optional, so those worried about possible stigma do not have to apply. The communication impediment code, in conjunction with new police officer training initiatives, should provide some protection to people with autism in their interactions with law enforcement.

Initiatives in Other States

Texas's plan is not unique, and other states have taken measures to assist people with autism in communicating their condition to law enforcement. Arkansas recently passed a measure allowing individuals to apply for a communication impediment decal on their license or ID card. In Alabama and Florida, drivers who have been diagnosed with autism can carry separate identification cards to present to police. In Kansas, in addition to an indicator on their driver’s licenses, people with autism can have a decal placed on their license plates and a placard which they can place in their vehicles.

What’s the Downside?
While these programs are helpful to both people with autism and law enforcement, there can be stigma and assumptions that go along with a diagnosis. Law enforcement officers aren't the only people who see someone's driver's license. Under Texas's initiative, there is no indication on the license that the individual has an autism diagnosis, only that they have a communication impediment. The code is also not prominently displayed on the license. In other states, decals are affixed to the license which may draw more attention to the fact that someone has a health issue. The use of autism-specific identification cards clearly indicates to others the specifics of a diagnosis; however, the individual is not required to present the card to anyone if they choose not to. The key seems to be the voluntary nature of these programs and allowing an individual with autism decide how they would like to proceed.

Additionally, these initiatives should not be seen as a panacea. Law enforcement should still undergo training on how to identify people with intellectual/developmental disabilities and how to properly interact with them.

If you or a loved one has autism and has been arrested or convicted of a crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Elizabeth Kelley specializes in representing individuals with mental illnesses and intellectual disabilities. To schedule a consultation call (509) 991-7058.

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1 Comment
Philip Harlow link
6/25/2022 09:38:52 pm


Yesterday, December 21st 2021 I found out that I had a warrant for my arrest. I found out that on December 10th 2021, that I had a court date in judge Jeff Mcnights courtroom on December 10th 2021 and I did not know because my court appointed attorney Rick Bunch never called me or reached out to me and my court appointed attorney Rick Bunch has my phone number and address and never informed me about my court date and that I was supposed to be in Court on December 10th 2021. I call every Thursday and check in with Central Bail bonds company every single week every single Thursday I call Central Bail bonds and check in and Central Bail bonds never told me about a court date or told me anything about me supposed to be in court they just saying we have you checked in Mr Harlow goodbye. Central Bail bonds has my phone number and address. The manager lady at Central Bail bonds today told me that they never received anything from the courts letting them know that I am supposed to be in court on December 10th 2021. And my court appointed attorney Rick Bunch told me yesterday that it's Central Bail bonds job to let me know when I have a court date and when I am when I am supposed to be in court. I was told that my court-appointed attorney Rick Bunch was in court and Central Bail bonds was in court but I was never in court which is true because nobody made me aware that I had a date for court ever so I missed my court date and the judge Jeff Mcnight put out a warrant for my arrest and judge Jeff McKnight tripled my bond and I am indigent and do not have the money I am disabled and suffer from Autism and the courts or my court pointed attorney does not care or the bail bonds does not care. I was told that my court appointed attorney Rick Bunch told the court that he does not want to be my attorney anymore. And yesterday when I spoke to my court appointed attorney Rick Bunch he confronted me about a report that was made and in the report I told and said that I am not pleased with my court appointed attorney Rick Bunch. A report was made by doctor and Shawnee Laughlin in public defender's office for special needs people in jail and I saw the doctor to see if I am compatant and the court doctor tested me for 3 hours or three and a half hours and found that I am competent to stand trial. I am confused because I do not understand how this is my fault or I did anything wrong no one let me know that I had a court date to be in court on December 10th 2021 not the Central Bail bonds company and not my court appointed attorney or the courts. In Wichita Falls, Texas

On Tue, Sep 14, 2021, 8:23 AM tcdd <tcdd@tcdd.texas.gov> wrote:
Hi Phillip,



Hope your day is going well. When you reached out to disability rights were you able to communicate with them?



There are other resources at the bottom of the blog post https://tcdd.texas.gov/workplace-bullying/



Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The EEOC is the federal agency that enforces anti-discrimination laws in the workplace. It accepts and investigates charges of discrimination. Go to www.eeoc.gov to get information and to locate the nearest field office. For information about filing a charge, call 1-800-669-4000 (voice) or 1-800-669-6820 (TTY).


Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division
The DOJ works to uphold the rights of all Americans and enforces federal laws against discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, disability, religion, family status, and national origin. The DOJ website clearly states that it is not necessary for you to file a complaint with the DOJ or any other agency before privately suing for a violation of your rights. The DOJ recommends that individual cases of workplace discrimination be reported to the EEOC. However, if your complaint involves other people with disabilities whose rights are also being violated by discriminatory acts of bullying, harassment, abuse, or assault, you can learn more about what the DOJ can do to help at www.justice.gov/crt (click on “How to File a Complaint”). You also can contact the DOJ by calling the ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY).




You can start an investigation with the www.eeoc.gov and/or file a complaint at www.justice.gov/crt



Best,





TCDD



From: H G <philipharlowg@gmail.com>
Date: Monday, September 13, 2021 at 9:37 PM
To: tcdd <tcdd@tcdd.texas.gov>
Subject: Re: Bullied. Concerns about the Heritage program

I have reached out to Disability Rights Texas multiple times



On Thu, Sep 2, 2021, 1:20 PM tcdd <tcdd@tcdd.texas.gov> wrote:

Hi Phillip,



We do not offer legal council at TCDD but we do have resources you can connect to in regards to your situation.

Please contact



Disability Rights Texas https://www.disabilityrightstx.org/en/home/ (DRTx) provides direct legal assistance to people with disabilities and educates policymakers about issues that impact the rights and services for people w

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