Will you help us make sure the lives of disabled people murdered by their family members or caregivers are recognized? On Friday, March 1st, the disability community will gather across the nation to remember disabled victims of filicide – please consider signing up to be a vigil site coordinator.

COVID-19 may have changed how we hold events this year, but we can still honor and remember those we’ve lost to filicide. This would not be possible without the vital work of our volunteer site coordinators. Click here to learn about what site coordinators do, or to sign up to lead a virtual or in-person vigil.

We hold the Day of Mourning vigils to draw attention to these injustices, to commemorate the lives of victims, and demand justice and equal protection under the law for all people with disabilities.  Thanks to the hard work of our vigil site coordinators, over 45 vigils were held worldwide last year.  Site coordinators do vital work in their communities. They secure space in their communities to hold a vigil, do outreach to community members leading up to the vigil, and document their vigils through pictures or videos to honor those lost to filicide. Click here to learn about what site coordinators do, or to sign up to lead a vigil. Many vigils show videos, read the names of those we’ve lost, do readings provided in the Anti-Filide Toolkit, and more. 

Vigils should be virtual unless it is safe to do so in-person. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, virtual events are the only way to ensure there is no exposure to the virus for attendees. These steps can help you assess the risks of transmission in your area for in person events.

• Look up vaccination rates and COVID-19 Current Wastewater Viral Activity in your area.
• If there is very little COVID-19 in your area and vaccination rates are high, it may be safe to hold an in-person event with safety measures like masking.
• If these things aren't true, you may be able to hold a vigil outside or hold a virtual vigil.
• Please look at current rates, consult your local government and look at news sources to determine if it is safe. If you are unsure, it is safest to hold a virtual vigil.
• We can help you plan a virtual event that brings your local disability community together safely and significantly for this important day.

Since 2012, ASAN and other disability rights organizations have come together to send a clear message that disability is not a justification for violence. We’ll be at our virtual vigil on Friday, March 1st – and we hope to see you there. If you’re interested in leading a virtual or in-person vigil in your area, please sign up to be a Day of Mourning vigil site coordinator.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

PO Box 66122
Washington, DC 20035

 

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