In recent years, the issue of mass incarceration has been increasingly recognized as a significant social problem, particularly for individuals with disabilities. The research article, Orange is the New Asylum: Incarceration of Individuals with Disabilities, delves into the complex factors that contribute to this issue and offers actionable insights for behavior analysts and other practitioners.
The Scope of the Problem
Historically, individuals with disabilities were often isolated from society in institutions and asylums. Today, while such institutions have largely been dismantled, a new form of segregation has emerged: the incarceration of individuals with disabilities. The prison system has become the largest provider of mental health services in the United States, a troubling shift that highlights systemic failures in addressing the needs of these individuals.
Key Findings from the Research
The article identifies several systemic issues contributing to the high rates of incarceration among individuals with disabilities:
- School-to-Prison Pipeline: The presence of School Resource Officers (SROs) in schools disproportionately affects students of color and those with disabilities, leading to higher rates of suspension, expulsion, and eventual incarceration.
- Lack of Access to Services: Individuals with disabilities often lack access to adequate mental health services, both in the community and within the prison system.
- Systemic Racism: The intersectionality of race and disability exacerbates the challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) with disabilities, leading to higher rates of incarceration.
Actionable Steps for Practitioners
Behavior analysts and other practitioners can play a crucial role in addressing these systemic issues. Here are some actionable steps:
- Advocate for the Removal of SROs: Behavior analysts should advocate for the removal of armed police officers from schools and the reallocation of funds to hire behavior analysts who can implement proactive behavior strategies.
- Develop Individualized Behavior Plans: Conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and creating individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) can reduce the use of punitive measures in schools and help keep students with disabilities out of the criminal justice system.
- Promote Trauma-Informed Care: Linking with mental health professionals to provide trauma-informed care can improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities both in the community and within the prison system.
Encouraging Further Research
While the article provides a comprehensive overview of the issues, further research is essential for developing effective interventions. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in ongoing education and training to better understand the intersectionality of race, disability, and incarceration.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Orange is the New Asylum: Incarceration of Individuals with Disabilities.
