Leigh Anne McKingsley: Creating Pathways to Justice for the Developmentally Disabled

Send us a text Leigh Anne McKingsley shares her journey as Senior Director of Disability and Justice Initiatives for the ARC, where she oversees the National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability to address the invisibility and injustices faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the justice system. • The ARC began as a parent advocacy group fighting against institutionalization of children with disabilities and has evolved over 70+ years to promote inclusion through policy work and direct support • McKingsley's "Pathways to Justice" training brings together law enforcement, attorneys, and service providers to create community-based solutions through Disability Response Teams • Studies show 2 in 10 prisoners and 3 in 10 jail inmates report cognitive disabilities, yet proper accommodations and understanding remain limited • People with intellectual and developmental disabilities are 30-40% more likely to also have mental health conditions, creating complex support needs • Misinterpretation of behaviors like stimming can lead to unnecessary criminalization when officers don't recognize disability-related behaviors • Personal stories from those with lived experience are crucial for creating change, though "double stigma" of disability and justice involvement creates barriers • Success often comes from asking simple questions like "What accommodation do you need?" rather than focusing on specific diagnoses To learn more or get involved with the ARC's National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability, visit their website or contact them directly to help create pathways to justice in your community. https://tonymantor.com https://Facebook.com/tonymantor https://instagram.com/tonymantor https://twitter.com/tonymantor https://youtube.com/tonymantormusic intro/outro music bed written by T. Wild Why Not Me the World music published by Mantor Music (BMI) The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates. Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed. Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care. Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.