From MindFreedom International:

On July 28, from 6:00-8:00 ET, we will be presenting our 7th free monthly ‘Judi’s Room’ in the spirit of Judi Chamberlin who dedicated her life to organizing for human rights. This is a virtual event. Pre-registration is required HERE.

Judi’s Room is a partnership of MindFreedom International and I Love You Lead On.  

Why are we discussing the following topic?

Conservatorship/Guardianship: Protecting Vulnerable Individuals or Exploitation?

Brittany Spears leaked public testimony HERE on how she continues to be mistreated has brought much needed attention to the abuses rampant in the guardian and conservator system.  She has been stripped of her rights by a complex conservatorship which treats her as a money-making object and denies her personhood. People with disabilities, as well as the elderly are too easily taken advantage of under the false principle that it is “for their own good.”  Anyone can be vulnerable. The presenters will describe the control that guardians have and will engage in dialogue with attendees on what can be done to change a system that exploits those who are vulnerable. 

As with all previous Judi’s Room meetings, a panel of experts will share their perspectives, followed by a facilitated discussion.

Facilitator   

Jim Gottstein is the author of The Zyprexa Papers and founder of PsychRights whose mission is to mount a strategic litigation campaign against forced psychiatric drugging and electroshock. Susan Fitzmaurice is a lifelong disability advocate and disabled with multiple disabilities.  She has parented two young disabled people and made very different choices about guardianship resulting with very different consequences. She has a long history using the internet to provide disability support. Her first sexuality and disability website is over 25 years old.  She created the first web-based resources for people with disabilities after the Katrina hurricane. She currently is devoted to the ILove You, Lead On Community – a space where disability and all its intersections are celebrated. 
     Dohn Hoyle is the Public Policy Director of The Arc of Michigan and long-time advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. Dohn helped to rewrite the Michigan Mental Health Code to include person-centered planning and to eliminate the term mental retardation; was instrumental in the closure of specialized nursing homes for children and people with developmental disabilities, and the Regional Centers for People with Developmental Disabilities in his state.  Dohn convenes the Howell Group, an organization of people across Michigan who intend to see that people with disabilities have the opportunity to experience what we know is right and they desire, and Advocates Concerned with Integrated Care, a group of disability organizations representing the concerns of persons who are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare and receive supports.     Miranda Spencer is a staff editor at the webzine Mad in America.  A longtime journalist and media critic, specializing in health, science, and social justice, her work is informed by her lived experience in the mental health system.

Pre-registration is required. To register click HERE

To view/share a flyer for this event, click HERE

​