Stop the Shock!
The Judge Rotenberg Center (JRC) is an institution located in Canton, Massachusetts that has been around since 1971. The JRC is known as a controversial institution because they still utilize shock therapy for people who have varying disabilities. Also, they partner up with the organization known as Autism Speaks, which aims to “eliminate” autism. Students that attend JRC are subjected to many health code violations and illegal practices that the courts seem to keep letting slide.
The practice of electroshock therapy is a very old practice that some parents still think is helpful for their children who have disabilities. JRC is known for continuing this practice to this day and continues to shock the students that are institutionalized there. The institution exists to discriminate against disabled people. As an individual with a disability, I feel very alone and isolated already, and places like JRC make me feel that way more.
I am a big advocate for the disability community which is why I feel so strongly about JRC. I feel for the people with disabilities that are harmed daily because of the backwards practices of the JRC. I have done a lot of research about the JRC and have joined the campaign to #StoptheShock, which is the popular hashtag used to promote the end of shock therapy. Multiple people have passed away at the hands of JRC due to the intensive treatments they use. JRC is a tortuous institution that uses power to isolate the powerless.
To end what the JRC does, I think we need to see new legislatures, laws, and policies that will end the shock therapy finally. People can alert their local politicians about how they feel about JRC and urge them to find a way to support shutting down the shock therapy.
The Judge Rotenberg Center is not to be trusted, and they are shameful to the disability community. I am optimistic that awareness of the JRC will help put a stop to their actions.
