Abolition, Deinstitutionalization, and Decarceration in the Pandemic
AWN hosted a discussion with Dustin P. Gibson and Shain M. Neumeier about connections between disability justice and abolition in January 2021.
The pandemic has hit hardest and deadliest in institutions including jails and prisons, psych hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, and large-scale developmental disabilities institutions. This webinar discusses connections between disability justice and abolition, explain deinstitutionalization and decarceration, and explore strategies that advocates and organizers are using to challenge ableism, racism, and other forms of violence arising during the pandemic.
Presenters
Dustin P. Gibson
Dustin P. Gibson works in the tradition of deinstitutionalization and has worked with Centers for Independent Living (IL) in Pittsburgh, PA and both of the national IL organizations. He is the Access, Disability and Language Justice Coordinator at PeoplesHub, a Peer Support Trainer with Disability Link in Atlanta, GA and a founding member of the Harriet Tubman Collective.
Shain M. Neumeier
Shain M. Neumeier is a lawyer, activist, and community organizer, and an out and proud member of the disabled, trans, queer, and asexual communities. They focus on ending abuse and neglect of disabled youth in schools and treatment facilities. Shain has worked with the Intersex and Genderqueer Recognition Project, the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network, and the Community Alliance for the Ethical Treatment of Youth.
Lydia X. Z. Brown
Lydia X. Z. Brown is AWN’s Director of Policy, Advocacy, & External Affairs.
Communication Access Team
- Gino Gouby - ASL interpretation
- Jeremy L. Brunson - ASL interpretation
- Sharon Ploeger - ASL interpretation