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For two long years, Patti Saylor has advocated for change after the death of her precious Ethan. It has meant long hours, countless miles of travel and hours in meetings. The emotional toll of reliving that terrible evening over and over as she raises awareness and tries to ensure that something like this never happens again is unfathomable.
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The Down syndrome and disability communities have been behind her, helping when and where we could, but for Patti and her family, this has been a very personal journey. There is good news however! This has been a week of breakthroughs worth celebrating! Today, I want to take a moment and update our community on some of the phenomenal progress that has been made, and celebrate Patti, the Saylor/Richmond families, and the thousands of people who have been touched in some way by #EthansLegacy.
The Definition of Strength
One of the things that amazes me about Patti is her way of caring for others while she deals with her own devastating pain. Many of us can attest to her unwavering friendship and her ability to deal with problems calmly as fast as they’re thrown at her. Patti is a problem solver. This week, as she stood behind Governor Hogan one can only imagine the sense of relief she must have felt. It may be cold comfort to her, but the fact that she has helped the rest of us so much is something she should be proud of.
Photo credit: Executive Office of the Governor, Photographer: Joe Andrucyk
The big news of the week is the signing of MD SB853 / Chapter 387 - "Ethan Saylor Alliance for Self-Advocates as Educators." This bill passed unanimously through both houses of the Maryland Legislature, and made it to the Governor’s desk in record time (one session). The support and empathy in the halls of Annapolis was palpable. When Patti spoke, people listened – and getting those in power is more than half the battle in most crusades for change!
Dedicated Advocacy Garners Results
This bill is the byproduct of hard work and dedication of countless others as well. Let’s take a look at some of the events that linked together to get us here:
- Emma Saylor creates an online petition
- Jon Perri and his team at Change.org help spread the word
- Over 375,000 people join the fight for #JusticeForEthan
- Saylor family & supporters deliver petitions to Governor O’Malley
- Debra Alfarone (WUSA9) , Katie Kyros (WHAG), Theresa Vargas (Washington Post), and Danielle Gaines (Frederick News Post) become our champions in the media
- Tim Shriver heads the Maryland Commission for Effective Community Inclusion of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, formed by Gov. O’Malley in response to Ethan’s death
- National Down syndrome groups recognize and honor Patti’s advocacy and assist her with her efforts
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- Patti shares her story in front of local, state, and federal lawmakers
- Many people, (both witnesses to the event and those involved with reform in Ethan’s name) are interviewed by documentary director Edward Rhodes for “Ethan’s Law”
- Law enforcement communities across the country recognize the need for additional training Justice Department - Maryland Unanimously Adopts Comprehensive Training Program for Police / Arapahoe County [Centennial, CO ] launches Down syndrome training
All Leading Up to a Very Big Week
These efforts reacheded a crescendo this week.
First, Governor Hogan signed SB853 creating the first of its kind effort to train people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be active members of law enforcement training teams.
Yesterday, we got word that the Justice Department used the settlement agreement of an unrelated case to implement mandatory law enforcement training on interacting with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Ethan’s story is the cautionary tale used in the training developed by Tennessee’s Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Finally, starting tomorrow, awareness comes to the big screen.
First, Governor Hogan signed SB853 creating the first of its kind effort to train people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be active members of law enforcement training teams.
Yesterday, we got word that the Justice Department used the settlement agreement of an unrelated case to implement mandatory law enforcement training on interacting with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Ethan’s story is the cautionary tale used in the training developed by Tennessee’s Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Finally, starting tomorrow, awareness comes to the big screen.
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In theaters around the country, including the one where movie goers witnessed Ethan’s demise, patrons can see “Where Hope Grows,” a feature film starring David DeSanctis as Produce.
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PRODUCE BTS - Casting David DeSanctisFinding the right actor to play Produce was a challenge. There was so much good undiscovered talent out there, we found someone truly special in our star David DeSanctis.
Posted by Where Hope Grows on Saturday, October 25, 2014
David’s performance will help to educate society on the abilities of people who have Down syndrome.
Also, Edward Rhodes has finished filming on “Ethan’s Law,” and a special director’s cut preview will be shown at the Canadian Down Syndrome Conference this weekend. The preview is just the beginning of the process of bringing Ethan’s story to wider audience with this powerful film.
Also, Edward Rhodes has finished filming on “Ethan’s Law,” and a special director’s cut preview will be shown at the Canadian Down Syndrome Conference this weekend. The preview is just the beginning of the process of bringing Ethan’s story to wider audience with this powerful film.
From Tragedy Comes Change
Though the road is one that no one involved would have chosen and we certainly wish we weren't forced to travel it, the journey has helped countless others. #EthansLegacy is about coming together for a bigger truth, creating long lasting, systemic change without violence, and the realities of Down syndrome.
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