I want to focus first on events that our local disability community has coming up:
- First, this Sunday night is Quality Trust's annual gala, and if you haven't got your ticket yet, do it now!
- Second, this coming Friday, August 22, DDS will host its monthly noon forum, which this month will focus on proposed changes to the IDD waiver amendment and on future planning. The $1.6 million that had been cut from the DDA waiver budget by the DC council may also come up in the discussion.
BUT I know people are mostly focused on what is going on around us now. This article from the 51st talks about the rights people have when interacting with law-enforcement officials. This is even more important now, since the president announced this week a more direct federal role in DC crimefighting efforts. What seems to me especially important in this article is:
- You need to provide your full name and address if asked
- It's a good idea to carry your ID and to provide it if asked
- You can always ask if you're free to go
Even though the procedures used by the MPD may differ some from those of federal agencies, if for any reason you're taken into custody you should be able to make a phone call to someone who supports you.
Stay tuned, there will be more helpful information coming your way in the coming days. The #1 priority is for all of us to stay safe!
