The Arlington Disability and Justice System Coalition will host a training titled Persons with Disabilities and the Legal System, Session 3: Improving Outcomes. Presented in cooperation with the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, the National Center for State Courts, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Research Triangle Institute, and funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, this training will focus on how to improve accessibility and inclusivity in the legal system for persons with disabilities.
Laurie Hallmark, Esq. is the Special Project Director for Mental Health Programs at Texas RioGrande Legal Aid. Her presentation centers on the application of Psychiatric Advance Directives (PADs) for defendants, witnesses and victims in the criminal legal process. Through PADs, people with mental illness provide information regarding treatment preferences and personalized de-escalation techniques for law enforcement, crisis workers, medical and criminal justice personnel, and family and friends. In addition, PADs provide critical information regarding effective communication, enabling lawyers, courts, jail staff, probation and others to provide the necessary accommodations.
Jonathan Martinis, Esq., J.D is the Senior Director for Law and Policy with the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University. His presentation focuses on the application of Supported-Decision Making (SDM) in the criminal legal process. SDM is where people work with trusted friends, family members, and professionals to help them understand the situations and choices they face, so they may make their own decisions – rather than be subjected to a unnecessary permanent, plenary or full guardianship.