Disability Day of Mourning 2023
“In the past five years, over 550 people with disabilities have been murdered by their parents, relatives or caregivers. On Wed, March 1st, the disability community will gather across the nation to remember these disabled victims of filicide.”
First started in 2012 by Zoe Gross of ASAN, Disability Day of Mourning is recognized by members of the disability community worldwide. After 11 years, unfortunately these horrible crimes are still occuring, along with the lack of recognition of this issue amongst significant portions of our society. Many view these crimes as “altruistic”, seeing these awful acts as “mercy killings”, a justifiable end to a “life of suffering”. This is emblematic of the ableist attitudes in our society, and society's unfortunate view on the value of disabled life.
This website contains a catalog of cases from 1980 to present, including many victims from our own NYC community. Autistic Adults NYC is coordinating a vigil on City Hall Park as a remembrance of all these and the others unknown victims who have died due to filicide, and to hopefully shine light on this issue to NYC at large.
DISABILITY DAY OF MOURNING VIGIL - CITY HALL PARK
March 1st, 5:30-7:00
Link to Facebook Event Page
This event is part of a nationwide effort, led by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. Autistic Adults NYC is hosting a Candlelight Vigil at City Hall Park from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm.
We will be gathering next to the entrance of the park, along the sidewalk on Broadway and Park Row. At 5:30 we will start to set the space, make posters, and take some time for quiet reflection. Speaking will begin promptly at 6:00. An important note: Open flames are not allowed within the park. Led candles will be provided.
For those unfamiliar with Lower Manhattan, it can get loud and overstimulating at times, especially on the commute to the park. We will provide ear plugs at the event. If you have noise-cancelling headphones, please bring them as well if you think you might need them.
An ASL interpreter will be present for this event. Please read this document for an accessibility and transportation guide to the event:
Accessibility and Transportation Guide for NYC Day of Mourning Vigil
Any other questions about specific accommodations, reach out!
autisticadultsnyc@gmail.com
Also, a there will be some filming at this event for a forthcoming documentary about disability, assisted suicide, and erasure from award-winning director Reid Davenport and Multitude Films. For more information on this contact Colleen: colleen@multitudefilms.com
