The Vermont Judiciary Commission on Mental Health and the Courts' Committee on Mental Illness and Intellectual Disability Training is set to present a one-hour webinar titled "Intellectual Disabilities 101" on January 13, 2025, at noon. The session aims to provide an overview of the system of care in Vermont for individuals with intellectual disabilities, targeting judges, lawyers, law enforcement personnel, DOC staff, and clinicians.
The webinar will cover common terminology and review Act 248. This act permits a state criminal court to civilly commit a person with an intellectual disability who poses a continuous risk of significant harm to others into the custody of the Commissioner of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL). Presenters will also explore guardianship processes and services available for those with developmental disabilities.
Additionally, the discussion will highlight challenges faced by people with disabilities in their daily lives. Statistics from the Bureau of Justice indicate that individuals with disabilities are nearly four times more likely to be victims of violent crimes compared to those without disabilities. These statistics suggest that service providers dealing with victims are likely encountering individuals with disabilities unknowingly. The webinar will address misunderstandings about intellectual disabilities and discuss necessary accommodations during investigations and legal proceedings to ensure effective communication.
Presenters include Stuart Schurr, DAIL’s General Counsel; Benjamin Chater, Assistant Attorney General; staff from DAIL’s Developmental Disabilities Services Division; Lindsey Owen, Executive Director of Disability Rights Vermont; and Max Barrows, Outreach Director for Green Mountain Self-Advocates.
Further details about the VT Judiciary Commission on Mental Health and the Courts can be found at https://www.vermontjudiciary.org/mentalhealth. Inquiries regarding the webinar can be directed to kelly.j.smith@vtcourts.gov.
Webex meeting link: Meeting number: 2344 746 3785 Password: SKedew3xW37