If you haven’t heard yet, Congress passed a 'clean' version of the FDASLA that did not include the ban on electric shock devices. Congress’ failure to ban the use of electric shock torture at the Judge Rotenberg Center is outrageous and frustrating, but we will not be deterred.

We have another legislative opportunity coming up: the end of the year omnibus bill. An omnibus bill is a bill that covers a lot of different ways the government will spend money, so we are able to include things like this ban.

For decades, the disability community has worked to ban the use of electric shock torture at the Judge Rotenberg Center. The JRC is the only institution in the United States that still uses this practice, something the United Nations classified as torture in 2013. Thanks to your advocacy, we’ve seen the FDA finalize regulations that banned the manufacture, distribution, and use of skin shock devices. But in an infuriating decision, the ban was overturned last year, leaving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities still subject to electric shocks to control their behavior.

It’s been 8 years since the FDA's expert panel ruled that the JRC's electric shock devices are inevitably harmful. The people subjected to the device shouldn't have to wait one more day – in order to end this torturous practice, we need a complete ban, and we need it quickly. We need Congress to include the ban on JRC’s use of skin shock devices in the end of year omnibus bill.

Here’s what you can do to reach crucial targets and make your voice heard: 

• Call your members of Congress. Ask them to include a ban on electric shock torture in the omnibus bill. You can use our script:

My name is  [your full name] , and I am from  [your city]. I am a constituent of Senator/Representative [NAME] . I’m calling to ask Senator/Representative [NAME] to include language in  the omnibus bill that would completely ban the use of electric shock for behavior modification. Only one institution in the country still uses electric shocks this way, and the UN found the practice to be torture in 2013. The FDA banned this use of electric shocks in 2020, but the DC Circuit Court overturned the ban on a technicality. Congress has the power to stop electric shock torture by including this ban in the omnibus bill. Can I count on Senator/Representative [NAME]’s support to include a ban in the end of year omnibus bill?

• Organize a virtual or in-person meeting with your members of Congress or their staff. These meetings have the greatest impact in terms of making your concerns heard. ASAN will be holding a Hill Day open to community members in November as well as offering a Hill Day training for people who wish to arrange their own meetings.

 Our guide walks you through meeting with your members of Congress’ staff one-on-one even if you can’t visit their office.

• Encourage others to support #StoptheShock. Many people are unaware of the inhumane use of skin shock devices on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Share this factsheet with colleagues, friends, and family and encourage them to contact their members of Congress to Stop the Shock.  

Want to make a call, but unable to speak on a phone call due to a disability? Our Proxy Calling system is open! Want to help someone else make a call? Consider signing up to be a proxy caller.

Have call anxiety, or wondering what to expect from a call to your elected officials? Check out this guide to making a call to your members of Congress. 

Banning contingent shock for behavioral control is essential for people with disabilities. We all have the right to live in our own communities, safe from violence. You have the power to make your community a better place for all people with disabilities — we’re grateful that you have made the choice to use it.

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

PO Box 66122
Washington, DC 20035

 

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