Perspectives of people with disabilities sought

Good morning. The RAND Corporation, a non-profit research organization, has been funded by my organization, the Pew Charitable Trusts, to conduct a study related to people with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities in the justice system. As one part of this study, they are conducting interviews with people with disabilities/family members of people with disabilities who have been involved in the criminal and/or civil legal systems to better understand their perspectives.

If you or someone you know would be willing to be interviewed, you can reach out to Alina Polimaru at RAND directly at palimaru@rand.org (mailto:palimaru@rand.org). The remote interview will last approximately an hour, and RAND will provide a $50 gift card in recognition of your contribution. If you would require accommodations for the interview, RAND will make any necessary arrangements.

The interview would include questions about the following topics:

– What you think the most important issues people with disabilities and their families face regarding the legal system;
– Ways that the legal system does meet the needs of people with disabilities;
– Ways the legal system does NOT meet the needs of people with disabilities.

At the conclusion of their work, RAND will publish a report that will include recommendations, and will hold a webinar to share the findings. I’ll be sure to post the information for the presentation here as well, it will likely be in November or early December.

Thanks so much for your consideration, and feel free to share this email with people you know outside of D.C. who might be willing to be interviewed as well. Best –

Tracy Velazquez
The Pew Charitable Trusts
901 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004
tvelazquez@pewtrusts.org
www.pewtrusts.org