Orange is the New Asylum: Incarceration of Individuals with Disabilities

Area of Science:

• Disability Studies
• Criminology
• Social Justice

Background:

• Historically, individuals with disabilities and mental health concerns were institutionalized, leading to advocacy for deinstitutionalization and community inclusion.
• Despite legal advancements, disabled individuals continue to experience segregation in schools, disproportionate involvement with the judicial system, and police violence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the historical and ongoing incarceration of individuals with disabilities in the United States.
• To analyze contextual variables and systemic inequities contributing to this issue, such as the school-to-prison pipeline and access to services.
• To provide resources and actionable strategies for behavior analysts to engage in anti-racist and anti-disableist work.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of institutionalization and deinstitutionalization movements.
• Examination of systemic inequities, including the school-to-prison pipeline, service access, and prison infrastructure.
• Review of legal and policy frameworks impacting individuals with disabilities.

Main Results:

• Disabled individuals remain disproportionately affected by systemic inequities, leading to higher rates of incarceration.
• The school-to-prison pipeline and inadequate access to services exacerbate these disparities.
• Persistent systemic barriers hinder full inclusion and equitable treatment.

Conclusions:

• Urgent need for behavior analysts to address personal and systemic racism and ableism.
• Advocacy and application of behavioral principles are crucial for dismantling inequities.
• Promoting a just and equitable future requires systemic change and targeted interventions.