Espanol

VICTIMS’ VIGIL

Memorializing PWD Killed By Family

The Disability Caucus of Occupy Wall Street (OWS) and The Autism Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN) recently organized a candlelight vigil in Union Square as a memorial to people with disabilities who were killed by family members and caretakers.

Advocates from various disability organizations turned out for the event as part of a nationwide day of mourning that took place in cities across the country.

The origins of the event began in March, when ASAN held a vigil in California to honor George Hodgins, a 22-year-old autistic man who was murdered by his mother.

During that vigil, mourners read a list of names that included Tracy Latimer, a disabled teenager killed by her father in 1993. Latimer’s father spoke on a television panel for the Canadian Global News, claiming that the killing of disabled people should be legalized and is merciful.

Daniel Robert of the OWS Disability Caucus, center reads a tribute. Among other attendees are, behind him, Robert’s attendant Peirs Droms, to the left of Droms is actor/director Martin Treat, a community activist. Advocate Julie Compton is seated second from the left, and activist Nadina LaSpina is on the far right.