Resources
Although this story is fictional, it is responsive to current laws and pending legislation in MA and inspired by human rights activists!
MA Legislation
Legislation is being considered by the MA legislature, that if passed, would make progress on human rights:
An Act regarding the use of aversive therapy.
H.245An Act relative to authorizing supported decision-making agreements for certain adults with disabilities
S.155 / H.261An Act modernizing the 6 fundamental rights
S.1389An Act establishing the deaf children’s bill of rights
H.200
Federal Proposal
The FDA proposed a ban on the aversive device, the Graduated Electronic Decelerator (GED), that is designed to inflict painful electric skin shocks.
MA Law
Current Laws in MA:
MA Guardianship & Conservatorship
LawMA Restraint
LawMassachusetts Nursing Home Residents' Bill of Rights, (Acts of 2006, Chapter 58).
Law
Current Regulations in MA:
115 CMR: Department of Developmental Services 115 CMR 5.00: Standards to Promote Dignity
Regulations
Federal Law
Current Law in the United States:
Advocacy through the Arts
The Fish Don’t Care When it Rains
A Documentary by autistic artist Jen Msumba. Loud Hands Autistic People Speaking
A collection of essays written by and for Autistic people.Opening Skinner’s Box
Book by Lauren Slater and adapted by the theatre company Improbable into a play.Selling Out the Spectrum
How Science Lost the Trust of Autistic People, and How It Can Win It Back. Book by Liam O’Dell.Punished by Rewards
Book by Alfie KohnBeing Heumann
A Movie about human rights activist Judy HeumannCrip Camp
A Documentary of “A Disability Revolution.”504 the Musical
Inspired by the 1977 Sit-In for Disability RightsBy the Sea
Play by John Guerra.