Free Walden
Disability, Intersectionality. Autonomy, Human Rights,
and the Fight to Shut Down the Judge Rotenberg Center
Why the Graduated Electronic Decelerator Must be Banned
Part 2: Abusive & Negligent Staff at the JRC
June 2024 By KG
Sexual, Physical, and Psychological Abuse by JRC Staff
Staff Incompetence, Neglect, and Not Keeping Students Safe
The Victimization of Disabled People
What Former JRC Students Have to Say
The founder of the Judge Rotenberg Center made a fun and colorful replica of the "Yellow Brick Road" from the Wizard of Oz to distract from the torture and abuse. Photo Credit: Rick Friedman/Corbis via Getty Images).
From its inception, the Judge Rotenberg Center has been run and staffed by unlicensed and unqualified employees which has resulted in numerous accounts of abuse, neglect, and even death over the past fifty years. In 1994, the founder, Matthew Israel, changed the name from the Behavior Research Institute (BRI) to the Judge Rotenberg Education Center (JRC) after Probate Judge Ernest Rotenberg who continually sided with the school and its use of the GED electric shock device. I believe that the Israel wanted to trick the public into thinking that the facility had moved on from its horrific past, but it wasn’t the name that caused so much harm-it was the people in charge.
The Founder
In 1971, Matthew Israel, who would later go on to create the GED skin shock device used on disabled students, opened up his first group home in Rhode Island. He called it the Behavior Research Institute and it had one student with schizophrenia and the other with autism. The following year a second home was opened and in 1975, Israel opened a third in Massachusetts (1).
In 1976, he opened a branch in California and began “treating” people with developmental disabilities or mental illness despite not having licenses to practice psychology, run a group home, or use aversives in the state (2). Instead of shutting down, a group of parents and caregivers took it over. Israel became a consultant and continued to work with disabled students in California, as well as in Rhode Island and Massachusetts (2).
The aversives that Matthew Israel chose to use were sadistic: spankings (with pants pulled down and bent over the laps of staff); slapping, squeezing arms, and pinching with fingers or fingernails; water sprays to the face; cold showers; putting hot peppers in students’ mouths; forcing students to smell ammonia; a white noise helmet that emits loud static; sensory deprivation; seclusion; restraints (cuffs, chains, chair, 4-point board); contingent food programs; humiliation; and shocks (3, 4).
In 1978, two staff members at the BRI/JRC of California reported Matthew Israel for pinching the bottom of a 12-year-old disabled student’s feet with his fingernails until they were bloody and skinless (2). When California’s Department of Social Services investigated the BRI/JRC in 1982, after numerous abuse allegations and a brutal death, it found that Matthew Israel instructed employees to grow their fingernails longer to inflict more pain (Page 19. line 18. 5) and threatened to fire people who didn’t hit, squeeze, or pinch disabled students hard enough (page 19. line 11. 5).
There were over a hundred alleged violations of the BRI/JRC’s license regulations. Disabled residents were being beaten, restrained (cuffed to chairs), severely bruised, starved, refused bathroom access, and humiliated. Bruising and other injuries were concealed from doctors, regulatory agencies, and families (2, 5). California Department of Social Services stated that the BRI/JRC was misusing and abusing behavioral modification therapy and that its use of aversives endangers the health, welfare, and safety of the students (2, 5). Matthew Israel was eventually banned from the BRI/JRC (in California), so a parent of one of the students took over the school and renamed it Tobinworld (6, 7).
In 1979, the New York Education Department investigated the BRI/JRC in Massachusetts because disabled individuals from the state were being sent to the facility. Barbara Hawes, the Director of Program Services wrote the final report for New York:
Matthew Israel. Photo Credit: Lisa Bul at the Patriot Ledger
Cent Proverbes, 1845, Illustration by J. J. Grandville. PublishedH. Fournier Éditeur, Paris.
Image Credit: Public domain.
A Restraint chair at the JRC. Photo credit: Disability Rights International 2005
“Over the course of the three-day visitation, the January team found BRI to be professionally conceived, well-documented, and rigidly implemented behavior modification program. Its effects on the students was the singular most depressing experience that team members have had in numerous visitations to Human Services programs. Rather than being a program of neglect which harms children by not assisting them in their growth the BRI/JRC program utilizes a current professional ideology to deny children the opportunity to grow; to deny them any choice is; to deny them development experience in decision-making: to deny them normal experience in leisure-time pursuit; to deny them any opportunities for fun to deny them an opportunity to demonstrate anything other than a few pre-selected responses…it becomes evident that the children are controlled [by threat of punishment], rather than in control of their behaviors. The activities which they are provided for the vast majority of their day, 365 days each year, are meaningless" (8, 9).
Behavior Research Institute in 1985.
Photo credit: Michael Romanos. The Boston Phoenix “Dr. Hurt” November 26, 1985.
A student and staff member at the BRI.
Photo credit: Michael Romanos. The Boston Phoenix “Dr. Hurt” November 26, 1985.
In 1985, Michael Avery, a licensing director for the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families (formerly Office for Children) spent seven months investigating the BRI/JRC and found multiple violations of regulations and witnessed students being abused. One student had to wear leg chains, another student was spanked 133 times in two hours, and some students were made to wear wet clothes for hours after they had received a cold shower or had been sprayed with water (2, 10, 11).
Over the next 20 years, the BRI/JRC was ordered to stop hitting, slapping, squeezing, and pinching; using cold showers and spray bottles; using hot peppers and ammonia; and using white noise helmets as punishment. Matthew Israel didn’t mind because he began relying on electric shocks (3, 4, 11).
In 2006, the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure discovered that 14 out of the school’s 17 psychologists did not have licenses (12). That same year the New York State Education Department’s review stated that staff at the JRC is unqualified to oversee the intensive behavioral programming treatment that takes place. (page 11.13), and that the GED is taking a psychological toll on the students. Many of the shock recipients the NY State Department of Education spoke to were suicidal, anxious, afraid, and lonely. (page 26. 13).
In 2007, after staff received a prank phone call ordering them to restrain and shock two teenage students 106 times in one night (14, 15), the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care investigated and found that the JRC staff
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were physically abusing and neglecting residents,
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lacked the necessary training and experience,
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failed to follow policies regarding medical treatment,
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Used poor judgment,
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were unable to provide for the well-being and safety of a child, and
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were unable to provide a safe environment (16)
Matthew Israel ran the BRI/JRC and “treated” disabled students from 1971 until 2011 when he was indicted and forced to resign to avoid further prosecution for destroying the video evidence of his staff abusing students because of a prank phone call (14, 15). Unfortunately, despite every effort to shut down the school or curb the abuse, the JRC prevailed.
Deaths at the Judge Rotenberg Center
The chronic neglect and abuse of disabled students are glaringly obvious when learning about the six BRI/JRC students who died (or were killed) under the facility’s care.
Robert Cooper Jr. October 30, 1980
On October 30, 1980, Robert Cooper, a 25-year-old autistic resident of the Behavior Research Institute in Rhode Island, began throwing up and having severe diarrhea. Instead of calling an ambulance, staff drove him to the Emergency Room in one of their cars. Robert Cooper died several hours later from a blockage in his bowels. The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health investigated and found no evidence that staff at the BRI/JRC was negligent although they were critical of staff using their own vehicles and not notifying the ER that they were on their way (2).
A student at the JRC on a 4-point restraint board. Danny Aswad died like this, but also had electrodes attached to him that would administer electric shocks.
Photo credit: Disability Rights International 2005.
Danny Aswad July 17, 1981
On July 17, 1981, Danny Aswad, a 14-year-old autistic resident of the Behavior Research Institute in Northridge, California, was restrained to his bed by arm and leg cuffs, face down. At some point when staff went to check on him, he was no longer alive. His autopsy report stated that he died of natural causes. The facility was put on a two-year probation and in 1982, the Department of Social Services filed a legal complaint against the facility, and the state of California banned the use of any aversive technologies (1).
A student at the JRC in a 4-point restraint chair. Vincent Milletich died while in a chair like this, but also had a helmet on his head that would emit loud static.
photo credit: ABC News
Vincent Millletich July 23, 1985
On July 23, 1985, Vincent Milletich, a 22-year-old autistic resident of the BRI/JRC in Massachusetts, suffocated while being restrained by arm and leg cuffs to a chair, with his face masked, and wearing a helmet that blasted loud static through headphones. The Massachusetts Department of Education ordered BRI/JRC to stop using “white noise therapy”. When the courts investigated it was determined that Matthew Israel and two other doctors were negligent in approving the "therapy” for him (17, 18).
Abigail Gibson June 23, 1987
On June 21, 1987, Abigail Gibson, a 29-year-old autistic woman with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy who was receiving physical aversives at the BRI/JRC in Massachusetts, had a heart attack in her sleep. She was taken to the hospital and died two days later. When the courts looked into her death it was determined that her heart attack was not caused by physical aversives she was receiving (19).
Linda Cornelison December 19, 1990
In December 1990, Linda Cornelison, a 19-year-old non-speaking autistic woman living at the BRI/JRC in Massachusetts, began crying out with severe abdominal pain. Staff at the BRI/JRC dismissed her, labeled her cries as “acting out”, and punished her with physical aversives for two days before finally realizing she needed medical attention. She died on the operating table on December 19, 1990. In the six years that she resided at the BRI/JRC she received 88,719 physical aversives (3, 10).
Silverio Gonzalez May 6, 1998
On May 6, 1998, Silverio Gonzalez, a 16-year-old boy with paranoid schizophrenia, ADHD, and Tourette’s, jumped out of the back of a Judge Rotenberg Center school bus that was traveling 50 mph on Interstate I-95 in Massachusetts. He died the following day from a head injury. His mother believes this was because they took him off of his medication and she filed a lawsuit against the school (20).
The Staff
The Judge Rotenberg Center consists of 50 residences where approximately 1000 people are employed (21, 22). The JRC website is elusive, perhaps intentionally, when it comes to the number of psychologists and board-certified behavior analysts who are involved in the students’ lives. The only employees listed on its website:
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12 full-time nurses (21),
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1 medical doctor who works on-site 2 days a week (21),
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A dentist who comes to the school monthly (21),
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Specially trained quality control supervisors (22),
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Live digital video recording monitors (22), and
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Direct care staff (23).
The 2022 report from the Association for Behavior Analysis International task force mentions:
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2 licensed psychologists (24) and
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3 doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA-Ds) (24).
There are 292 students at the Judge Rotenberg Center, 52 of whom (all adults) have electric shocks as part of their treatment plan (24). There are students with developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental illnesses, neurological disorders, and other various health conditions. They have typically been kicked out of other programs and engage in dangerous behavior, such as self-injury, aggression, violence, Pica (eating inedible objects), and elopement (running away). I don’t believe three hundred disabled students who display such extreme behavior can be properly cared for by so few doctors and mental health professionals.
The direct care staff are responsible for doling out aversive punishments, so what kind of training have they had?
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All new employees who work directly with students must take a three-week course where they learn about the Judge Rotenberg Center and its philosophies, policies, procedures, and services provided (23).
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30 hours of in-service training every year (23).
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A yearly certification orientation and training by the JRC on safety care, restraint regulations, privacy rights of students, procedures on behavior management, and incident reporting (23).
Where is the training on developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, mental illness, communication differences, trauma, self-injury, and aggressive behavior? More, importantly, where is the JRC finding these people?
The following is a list of incidents that occurred, or alleged to have occurred, at the Judge Rotenberg Center from news articles, court documents,
-A 2023 investigation by Kerry Kavanaugh, Boston 25 News, and Marina Villeneuve “25 Investigates uncovers years of alleged abuse at Canton home for people with disabilities”.
-The Disabled Persons Protection Committee Reports from 2016, obtained by New England Center for Investigative Reporting, can be found on disability justice activist Lydia X.Z. Brown’s Living Archive & Repository on the Judge Rotenberg Center’s Abuses, in the U.S. State Government Agencies section of Bearing Witness, Demanding Freedom: Judge Rotenberg Center Living Archive « Lydia X. Z. Brown (autistichoya.net)
-The Disabled Persons Protection Committee JRC Allegation Summaries 2-09-2005 to 11-30-2015
-The Disabled Persons Protection Committee JRC Allegations, 1-1-2017 to 6-30-2020
-The Disabled Persons Protection Committee JRC Allegations, 7-1-2020 to 5-21-2022
DPPC Allegations Glossary
The Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) has jurisdiction over disabled adults ages 18-59 who have suffered “serious physical and/or emotional injury through the act and/or omission of their caregivers” (25).
The Department of Children and Family Services ((DCF) serves people ages 17 and under who have suffered serious abuse or neglect (25).
Department of Developmental Services (DDS) provides support for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities (26).
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) provides people ages 60 and above with resources and support (25).
The Department of Mental Health (DMH) provides people with mental health conditions with services and support (27).
The Department of Public Health (DPH) assesses the quality and safety of health care facilities and services (28).
The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit reviews every DPPC complaint regarding abuse to see if criminal activity is occurring. When SPDU believes that a crime may have occurred it is forwarded to the DA’s Office (25).
ALV or Alv-Alleged Victim
ALAB or Alab-Alleged Abuser
OI-Other Individual
Screening Decisions:
4A
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Reports that involve a hospital or nursing/long-term-care facility (which are referred to the DPH,
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Reports that involve a victim under the age of 18 (which are referred to DCF), and
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Reports that involve a victim over the age of 59 (which are referred to the EOEA) (25).
4B
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Cases where the alleged abuser was employed by a state agency, which would require DPPC to conduct the abuse investigation (25).
4C
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Cases where the alleged abuser was not employed by a state agency (25).
Overall Findings:
Substantiated- “Abuse is substantiated when there is enough evidence to conclude that an act, or neglect, by the alleged abuser resulted in serious physical or emotional injury to the alleged victim” (25).
Unsubstantiated- “Abuse is unsubstantiated when there is not enough evidence to conclude that the alleged abuser caused serious injury to the victim” (25).
Administratively Closed- “Cases are administratively closed when facts gathered during the IR (initial response) phase indicate that abuse did not occur” (29).
Sexual, Physical, and Psychological Abuse by JRC Staff (focusing on the past decade)
Live camera feeds of the entire facility including restrooms. Most of the abuse is captures on video. Photo credit: John Tlumacki The Boston Globe 2011.
One of the injuries the autistic student who was shocked 31 times in 7 hours received.
In 2014, a member of the IT Department was arrested because he was emailing child porn to pedophiles. Although he did not work directly with students at the JRC, he did have access to the 24-hour surveillance system that records every waking hour of the student’s lives, except when they are in the bathroom stalls and showers (30).
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In 2016, sexually explicit text messages, including plans to have sexual contact, between a female staff member and student were discovered. When confronted the staffer admitted to it and was fired. It is not known whether or not they had any sexual encounters (31):
DPPC Case Number: 144506
Date of Incident: 2016
“The Alab had been seeking out the Alv and showing up when he played soccer. The Alv began asking for the Alab to be his clinician and advocate. On Tuesday (4/12) the Alv and Alab were seen together talking on a bench. (Redacted) had the Alab’s cell phone and saw numerous long calls to the Alv’s cell phone at various hours of the night and morning. The Alv’s cell phone was looked at the text messages were found. Messages were sexually explicit and included talking about having sexual contact. It is unknown at this time if anything physical happened. The Alab did not deny it when confronted. The Alab was terminated immediately yesterday (4/13 after it was discovered)”.
-Disabled Persons Protection Commission. M.G.L. c. 19C/ 118 CMR Investigation Report. Case Number: 144506. July 29, 2016. AutisticHoya.net https://autistichoya.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/jrc-ongoing.pdf.
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In July 2016, a staff member slammed a resident against a wall, put them in a headlock, and dragged them into a closet. Later that day, the same staff member punched another student in the face (32, 33, 34):
Incident #1
DPPC Case Number: 148133
Date of Incident: 7/30/2016
"Upon arrival to school on 8/1/16, Alv was found to have an unexplained bruise on the left side of his face, under his eye. There were additional reports of a swollen/bleeding lip and chest/back bruising from earlier that weekend, also unexplained. When staff of the school began looking at video footage from Alv's residence from the weekend prior, concerning interactions between Alv and Alab were found. This occurred on 7/30/16 in the early morning in the upstairs hallway. Alab is seen striking at Alv's chest and face area multiple times, and kicking Alv in the legs and buttocks. Although the point of contact of many of the strikes is not visible, there is audible noise of contact.
In addition, as Alv is on the floor under Alab, he puts his arm out as if to increase distance, while not taking his eyes off Alab. As described by 1-2 and 1-4, Alv then scurries away quickly, apparently in fear of Alab. 1-4 described knowing Alv for some time, and noting this interaction as out of the ordinary. It was also inconsistent wilt Alv's demeanor when he met this Investigator (for the first time) on 8/3/16. Alvis not verbal and unable to say what happened. Alab denied striking or kicking Alv; he reported he was attempting to guide or redirect Alv. No other staff working with Alv (or who were also injured) could explain how he sustained any of these injuries. Further, 1-1 , 1-2 and 1-3 had each viewed the footage of the incident and none of them felt that Alab's actions were consistent with JRC training on student redirection.
Based on the totality of evidence, it is more likely than not that the Alab's actions of striking out towards Alv caused bruising to Alv's face and swelling/bleeding to his lip, and that these actions also caused Alv to react fearfully in "scurrying away" from Alab, as described by 1-2, C-1 and 1-4 (who in particular described this as not typical for Alv). Even in the unlikely event that these actions had not caused physical or emotional injury, the sound of the hits and Alv's reaction show that Alab's action was also an application of physical force that would cause a reasonable person pain".
-Disabled Persons Protection Commission M.G.L./118 CMR Investigation Report. Case Number: 148133. July 30, 2016 -. AtisticHoya.net https://autistichoya.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/jrc-7-30-16-2.pdf
Incident #2
DPPC Case Number: 148305
Date of Incident: 7/30/2016
“Alv was seen on 8/1 with mild bruise noted under R eye. It was unexplained. Footage was later found of Alab taking Alv into the bathroom on 7/30 6:17 am. Alab is postering towards Alv and then walked into the tub area and clearly punches towards Alv’s face. Alv is then seen crying. Two other incidents of Alab assaulting other students in the house that morning were found. 148133, which was reported last week, and another incident involving (Redacted) which was called into DCF today".
-Disabled Persons Protection Commission M.G.L./118 CMR Investigation Report. Case Number: 148305. July 30, 2016 -. AtisticHoya.net https://autistichoya.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/jrc-7-30-16.pdf
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In November 2016, two staff members were fired and arrested when they were seen on video threatening, beating, spitting, and whipping an adult resident during multiple overnight shifts over a two-month period (35, 36, 37):
DPPC Case Number: 151373
Date of Incident: 11/13/2016
“incident occurred on 11/13/16 at 5:07 am and was seen on video footage. The ALAB1 was working 1:1 with the ALV. The ALAB1 put the ALV to bed. The ALAB2 went to switch with the ALAB1 when it was time for him to come on shift. The ALAB 2 went in to ALV’s room and took off his belt and sat in a chair in Alv’s bedroom. Alv jumped out of bed. The ALAB2 told the ALV to go back to bed and gestured with his belt at the ALV. Later, the ALV approached the ALAB2 again. The ALAB2 struck the ALV once in the thigh area with the belt. The ALV continued to jump out of bed, The ALAB1 then comes back in the room and pushed the ALV ino the bed. The ALAB2 hit the ALV again on the leg with the belt. The ALAB1 left the room after this. The ALV jumped up again and the ALAB2 told him to get back into bed. The ALAB2 attempted to hit the ALV again but he missed…ALAB2 clearly strikes ALV with his belt at least three times on 11/13/16, and ALV clearly responds with vocal displeasure to these audible smacks…Also on 11/13/2016, as ALAB1 leaves ALV’s room he says “goodnight” to ALV; ALV does not answer and ALAB1 says, “I said goodnight”, then spits on ALV as ALV is in his bed”.
-Disabled Persons Protection Commission M.G.L./118 CMR Investigation Report. Case Number 151373. AutisticHoya.net https://autistichoya.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/jrc-11-13-16.pdf
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In December 2016, a staff member punched a student in the face twice while restraining him, leaving him with a swollen left eye, a swollen and bloody lip, a bloody nose, bruises, and abrasions (38):
DPPC Case Number: 152486
DDS Case Number: 05-MNSN-16-1176
Date of Incident: 12/19/2016
"(Redacted) reported that the ALAB punched the ALV in the face during a behavioral incident. ALAB punched the ALV in the face twice. ALV was being restrained because ALV was being aggressive. ALV grabbed another individual who proceeded to kick ALV on the side of the face. (Redacted) reported that ALV’s lip was bloody after ALAB punched the ALV. The injury got worse after ALAB kicked the ALV. Alv is at the emergency room to be evaluated".
Disabled Persons Protection Commission M.G.L./118 CMR Investigation Report. Case Number: 152486. December 19, 2016 -. AtisticHoya.net https://autistichoya.files.wordpress.com/2018/10/amego-12-19-16.pdf
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In January 2017, someone reported that a student and staff member were in a sexual relationship. The case was screened as “4C”, meaning the alleged abuser was not an employee of a state agency, but they clearly worked with or near JRC students, according to this report:
Case Number: 152984
Intake Date: 1/09/2017
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Screening Decision: 4C
Referred to DA: Yes
Source Date: 1/09/2017
Alleged Summary:
“It was reported that Alab had sex with Alv 10-12 times over a two-month span in his residence, when other staff and students were downstairs. This sexual activity was reportedly consensual, to include intercourse. Alv said that this last happened in early November. Alab worked there on the 6, 8, 9 and 19th of November. Staff is checking footage of a hallway camera now to see what can be shown. There is no camera in the bathroom. (redacted) states that Alv has the capacity to consent to sex, however, Alab is a staff person”.
-Line 2. Case Number 152984. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
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In January 2017, a staff member was informed by a student that another student was punched several times by a staff member while they were on the bus. DPPC found that this claim was unsubstantiated, but that just means there wasn’t enough evidence proving that serious injury occurred due to the alleged abuser’s actions. There is no explanation of what is considered to be a "serious injury". A bruise? A black eye? A broken bone? emotional distress? There are plenty of ways someone can abuse another person without causing "serious injury". Regardless of the definition, the staff shouldn't be injuring disabled students at all.
Case Number: 153104
Intake Date: 1/09/2017
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Unsubstantiated
Screening Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Source Date: 1/12/2017
Alleged Summary:
“On 1/11/17 (redacted) was informed by another resident that attends the Alv's facility about an incident that occurred on 1/5/2017. The ALV was on a bus accompanied by the ALAB. The ALV and the ALAB were sitting side by side on a bus transporting the residents. The ALAB waited until the lights were off on the bus and then the ALAB punched the ALV in the face numerous times. (redacted) does not know if the ALV was injured emotionally because she did not witness the incident.”
-Line 3. Case Number: 153104. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
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In May 2017, someone reported that a student was being physically and sexually abused at the JRC:
Case Number: 156388
Intake Date:5/01/2017
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Administratively Closed
Screening Decision: Administratively Closed
Referred to DA: Yes
Source Date: 05/09/2017
Alleged Summary:
“Today 5/1/2017, (redacted) met with (redacted) who reported that ALV is currently being sexually and physically abused at current facility (ALAB). She also reported the following: On 3/22/2017, during a visit to ALV she noticed marks and bruises on the AALV’s arm. (redacted). *Report-156036-DPPC/Pending”.
-Line 26. Case Number: 156388. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
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In November 2017, a staff member brought a student into the bathroom, and they ended up with bruises and lacerations. The Department of Early Education and Care report said this staffer “has a background that bears adversely upon his ability to care for children” (32).
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From November 2017 to February 2018, a female student from California, diagnosed with schizophrenia with hallucinations, fetal alcohol syndrome, and an intellectual disability resided at the Judge Rotenberg Center. She was restrained 46 times in 84 days. According to the lawsuit her mother filed against the JRC, staff would label her hallucinations and verbal stimming as “major disruptive behavior” and punish her. When staff restrained her, they would put pressure on sensitive parts of her body including the area where her shunt was. Staff told her that her parents had “dumped” her and the program “owned” her. They ripped up one of her stuffed animals and threw it in the garbage. She tried to complain, but the JRC denied the allegations. She started experiencing extreme anxiety, agoraphobia, hypervigilance, flashbacks, nightmares, depression, and even wanted to kill herself. She started banging her head, which she had never done before, and eating inedible items, which she hadn’t done for years. On February 15, 2018, she was punched in the eye while being restrained on her school bus which resulted in a concussion, bruising, headache, and nausea. She went to the hospital on two separate occasions that week. Her parents immediately flew to Massachusetts and withdrew her from the school. When she returned to California she was diagnosed with PTSD and given psychotropic medications. She couldn’t return to school. The Department of Children and Families found that the allegations of abuse were substantiated (39, 40).
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In April 2018, a student alleged that a staff member had punched him when he was in the shower. DDS determined that there was no abuse:
Case Number: 168117
Intake Date: 4/30/2018
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Administratively Closed
Screening Decision: Administratively Closed
Referred to DA: Yes
Source Date: 06/06/2018
Alleged Summary:
“Alv told (redacted) that a few weeks ago, a staff member at JRC became upset with something that Alv said. Alv stated that the staff person shoved him into the shower and punched him in the face, and hit him with an object (unknown ) and left a mark or bruise".
-Line 96. Case Number 168117. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
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In May 2018, two staff members fractured a student’s arm while restraining him:
Case Number: 168838
Intake Date: 05/18/2018
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated alab 2 only
Screening Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: No
Source Date:
Alleged Summary:
“On 05/01/2018 at 7:06 a.m. the ALV was physically restrained. ALAB 1 and ALAB 2 were more forceful than they should have been to the ALV. Alv was complaining of pain and discomfort and the ALAB 1 and ALAB 2 were using techniques that were not in line with the safety procedures of the facility. The ALV had an avulsion fracture to his left elbow. The Alv went to the (redacted) hospital and they did an x-ray. (redacted) states that the ALAB1 and ALAB 2 are on suspension".
-Line 100. Case Number 168838. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
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In September 2018, a staff member scratched, spat at, and bit the “private area” of a student:
Case Number: 173411
Intake Date: 09/25/2018
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Screening Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Source Date: 09/25/2018
Alleged Summary:
“This incident happened today 9/25/18. ALV became behavioral. ALAB proceeded to restrain ALV. ALAB bit ALV in his private area while restraining ALV. ALAB scratched ALV's left eye, scratched ALV's neck and spat at ALV".
-Line 118. Case Number 173411. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
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In September 2018, a staff member punched another student in the face while riding in a van (32).
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In December 2018, a staff member pulled a student’s hair while on the bus.
Case Number: 176370
Intake Date: 12/17/2018
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency: DDS
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Screening Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: No
Source Date: 12/27/2018
Alleged Summary:
“On 12/13/2018, ALV made an allegation of staff pulling her hair during transport on the van. Footage was reviewed today and ALAB was confirmed to have done it. No known injury at time of filing. ALAB was removed from shift pending investigation. Police not notified. After review if any indication that the ALV sustained an injury DPPC should be contacted regarding rescreening. 12/27/18-updated info, it appears that the ALV did in fact sustain and emotional injury and abuse per se (pulling of hair) case rescreened in for 19c".
-Line 134. Case Number 176370. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In December 2018, a staff member grabbed a student’s arm so hard that it left bruises because they were standing in front of the television. The Department of Early Education and Care found that the staffer used excessive force (32).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In February 2019, a staff member hit a student in the stomach and chest. The Department of Early Education and Care stated that this staffer “has a background that bears adversely upon his ability to care for children” and no more information was given because the report was redacted (32).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In May 2019, a staff member punched a student in the face while he was in class:
Case Number: 181263
Intake Date: 05/01/2019
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Screening Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Source Date: 05/02/2019
Alleged Summary:
“ALAB was observed on school camera punching Alv in the face. This took place on 5/1/2019 in Class room (Redacted) Alv may have black eye tomorrow. ALAB has been removed from the schedule as of now".
-Line 162. Case Number 181263. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In October 2019, while in a JRC van, a staff member hit a restrained resident in the chest, pushed his head against a window of the van, and challenged him to a fight. When they arrived back at the residence the staff member assaulted him once again:
Case Number: 187915
Intake Date: 10/19/2019
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency: DDS
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Screening Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Source Date: 10/21/2019
Alleged Summary:
“While Alv was in restraints ALAB hit Alv in the chest and pushed his head into a window. ALAB gave Alv the key to unlock himself and challenged him to a fight. The two got into a fist fight. Then ALAB walked away. Alv also stated that ALAB also hit him. 11/7/2019 updated information-the assault began in the van somewhere on Route 24. The ALAB hit the Alv in the chest and his head against the window. The assault continued at the residence where the ALAB challenged Alv to a fight and physically assaulted the Alv behind the residence”.
-Line 230. Case Number 187915. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In December 2019, a staff member choked, kicked, and spat on a student:
Case Number: 188669
Intake Date: 11/07/2019
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Screening Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Source Date: 11/07/2019
Alleged Summary:
“On 8/12/19 ALAB was observed to have placed Alv on head style choke hold. ALAB punched Alv in the face.. ALAB spat at Alv. Alv was on a face up position and ALAB kicked Alv in the head on his way out of the room. Alv was seen by (Redacted) the same day. Alv had a bruise on his right eye and a superficial cut over the nose".
-Line 235. Case Number 188669. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In February 2020, a staff member pushed a student into a washing machine and pulled him into a room by the arms. Another staff member punched the student in the head while restraining him, which left bruises (32).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In February 2020, someone reported that they think a student might be experiencing physical abuse at the JRC:
Case Number: 192135
Intake Date: 2/10/2020
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Unsubstantiated
Screening Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Source Date: 2/11/2020
Alleged Summary:
“(redacted) suspects that the ALV is possibly being physically abused by some individual. (redacted) stated that she's a "doctor" and she allegedly consulted another doctor who stated that the lacerations that the ALV sustained were not self-inflicted but rather done by an individual or group of individuals. The ALV sustained multiple lacerations to the upper chest and neck area. It's undetermined how the ALV got the lacerations. (redacted) does not have any proof that the lacerations were caused by any other individuals, but she suspects that it could possibly be (redacted)".
-Line 258. Case Number: 192135. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In April 2020, a staff member touched, grabbed, licked, and tried to kiss a student:
Case Number: 194480
Intake Date: 04/25/2020
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Screening Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: no
Source Date: 04/27/2020
Alleged Summary:
“On 4/22/2020 around 7:28PM and 7:30PM, the Alv reported to (redacted) that ALAB attempted to kiss her on a few occasions. Alv did not tell anyone until a few days ago because she felt bad for the ALAB. The Alv told (redacted) that there is camera footage of ALAB giving the Alv her medicine and he leaned in for a kiss and Alv pulled back. Alv took her medication and started walking up the stairs; the ALAB followed and put his hands on her rear end.. The ALAB then pulled himself closer toward the Alv, but the rest is off camera. Alv also mentioned that the ALAB licked her on the neck".
-Line 294. Case Number 194480. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In July 2020, a student reported being verbally abused by staff for four years:
Intake Number: 496
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: OUT
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 07/23/2020
Allegation Narrative:
“ALV stated ALABs have been verbally abusing her, verbally attacking her and ALV feels bullied. ALV has put up with the way staff has talked to her for 4 years now".
-Line 6. Intake Number 496. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In August 2020, a student reported being teased by staff and students and antagonized and injured by staff. The case was sent to another agency, most likely the Department of Children and Family Services because he was a minor:
Intake Number: 13263
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 08/20/2021
Allegation Narrative:
“The ALV claims that several staff members; during a restraint twisted his wrist and fingers. ALABs and students tease ALV. When the bedroom alarm goes off, the ALV states that this is done on purpose to wake him up. There are no injuries from any of these incidents".
-Line 126. Intake Number. 13263. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In August 2020, a student went to the ER for an earache and told hospital staff that she does not feel safe at the JRC:
Intake Number: 1658
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Unsubstantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 08/24/2020
Allegation Narrative: "A-1804 The ALV lives at (redacted). ALV came into the ER today for an ear problem. While there, ALV spoke to the triage nurse and stated that she does not feel safe at the group home. ALV reported that staff grabbed her by the arm and left bruises. (redacted) did see fading bruises on ALV's left upper arm, just above her biceps. ALV further stated that when the male staff escorts her, they press their bodies against her and she feels harassed. The male staff looks at ALV in a way that makes her feel uncomfortable. When (redacted) first called at 2:07 p.m., the reporter did not have the names of any ALABS; the reporter then called back at 2:30 p.m. to provide the name of one of the ALABS. A-1830 ALAB1 took all of ALV's belongings out of ALV's room without making contact with ALV's treatment team. ALAB1 also grabbed ALV's left arm and caused bruises on ALV's left arm. ALAB2 (redacted) entered ALV's room while ALV was undressing. ALV reported that ALAB2 (redacted) also tried to touch ALV in a sexual manner during this incident. ALV also alleges that her body is being searched every two hours by ALAB1 (redacted) and other female staff".
-Line 13. Intake Number 1658. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In September 2020, a nonspeaking student got beat up by someone in the bathroom. Staff knew but failed to report it:
Intake Number: 2096
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Unsubstantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 09/04/2020
Allegation Narrative:
"An anonymous caller reported the an incident that took place on 06/13/2020 The allegation was regarding ALAB beating the ALV up in the restroom. ALAB caused a black eye and Alv was not taken to the hospital. ALV is nonverbal so he was unable to report the incident to anyone. There were other direct care staff members there that knew about the incident. Other staff did not inform anyone or make any reports".
-Line 19. Intake Number 2096. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In November 2020, two staff members kept a student’s iPad, so that his family couldn’t get in touch with him:
Intake Number: 3981
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 11/09/2020
Allegation Narrative:
“The incident is ongoing. Reporter and her mother have court order to have a video call every Saturday and Sunday. On 10/31, 11/1, 11/7, and 11/8, they were unable to video chat with the ALV because the ALAB2 stated that it was dead and also that the IPad was taken away because someone was using the device incorrectly. The reporter stated that ALV had gotten his own IPad in March and the ALABs have kept it away from him so that he cannot use it. Reporter stated that it is ALAB1 that is making ALAB2 not to speak to the reporter. ALAB1 put it in writing that reporter better not go to the cops or report any of this because she will not see the ALV. The ALAB1 lost his six year job a few days before the incidents started". -Line 40. Intake Number: 3981. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In November 2020, someone reported that a student has had an inordinate amount of injuries:
Intake Number: 4099
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 11/13/2020
Allegation Narrative:
“ALV has had several injuries over the last few years, including black eyes, cauliflower ears, chest injuries, neck injuries, head injuries, and burn marks. ALV also has had several infections. Reporter isn't sure how this is all happening".
-Line 41. Intake Number 4099. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In November 2020, a student reported being bullied and threatened by staff:
Intake Number: 4511
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 11/30/2020
Allegation Narrative:
"According to the ALV, the ALABS are not professional and don't treat the residents fairly. ALV feels like she is getting bullied by staff members all the time. ALV states that on 11/28/2020, ALAB 1 threatened to beat up the ALV after asking ALAB 1 to bring her to the bathroom".
-Line 47. Intake Number 4511. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In January 2021, someone reported that a student had a black eye:
Intake Number: 6013
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Unsubstantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 01/25/2021
Allegation Narrative:
“ALV has a black right eye. (redacted) is unsure how it was sustained".
-Line 59. Intake Number: 6013. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In February 2021, a staff member purposefully burned an adult student’s hands with pepper and hot sauce (32).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In May 2021, a student arrived at their day program with two black eyes:
Intake Number: 9647
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA:
Screen Date: 05/13/2021
Allegation Narrative:
“The ALV came to the day program and the staff noticed he had two black eyes".
-Line 96. Intake Number: 9647. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In July 2021, a bruised student went to the ER because of a stomach ache and told hospital staff that she is being abused by staff at the JRC:
Intake Number: 11851
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Unsubstantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 07/15/2021
Allegation Narrative:
"The ALV came into the ER with complaint of abdominal pain. She had bruises on her arms and left upper back and right lower back. (redacted) asked the staff with the ALV about the bruises. The staff said they were from restraints. When the ALV was alone she told the reporter some bruises were from restraints and others were from staff and were unprovoked. The ALV stated she didn't feel safe at the facility. The ALV is afraid if staff knows she told that there would be retaliation".
-Line 119. Intake Number 11851. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In August 2021, a student reported being abused by staff and stated she needed someone to advocate for her. Her claim was found to be unsubstantiated:
Intake Number: 12652
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Unsubstantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 08/04/2021
Allegation Narrative:
“The ALV states she has been pinched, elbowed, slapped, and spit on. The ALV states she cannot continue dealing with this form of abuse. The ALV states she does not have anyone who can advocate on her behalf. The ALV states she has nowhere else to go and/or any type of defense to help her. The ALV states she cannot keep allowing this to happen. The ALV states she has had multiple bruises and scratches to prove her allegation. The ALV states she once had suicidal ideations in the past, however she is currently in a good space mentally in the present moment".
-Line 122. Intake Number 12652. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In December 2021, a staff member grabbed, choked, and elbowed a student:
Intake Number: 17214
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 12/10/2021
Allegation Narrative:
"(redacted) was made aware today because (redacted) wanted to make sure what had happened between ALV and ALAB. Based on the footage, ALAB was observed grabbing, choking and elbowing the ALV by his left side of his face and neck. There was a struggle between ALAB and ALV right after ALAB asked ALV for the house phone.
ALV still has swelling on his left side of his face (cheek and left ear). ALV was not transported to hospital nor were police called".
-Line 158. Intake Number 17214. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In December 2021, a staff member was reported for misusing the GED. The case was sent to another agency, possibly the Department of Public Health since it is in charge of the quality and safety of facilities like the JRC:
Intake Number: 17640
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 12/23/2021
Allegation Narrative:
"It was discovered through spot checking that the ALABs administered 3 applications of the Graduated Electronic Decelerator in a way that was inconsistent with ALV's Court Approved Behavior Modification Treatment Plan and inconsistent with JRC policies and procedures".
-Line 160. Intake Number: 17640, DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In February 2022, a staff member struck a student in the face, head, and body, eight different times, with an iPad and threw water on them for refusing to stay in bed. Video surveillance footage shows the student afraid and cowering. As a result, the student needed dental treatment. The Department of Early Education and Care found that it was “cruel, unusual, severe or corporal punishment, and unnecessary” (32, 41).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In March 2022, someone reported that a student was being abused:
Intake Number: 20414
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DCF
Overall Finding:
Decision: 4A
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 03/22/2022
Allegation Narrative:
"Reporter states that the ALV has bruising all over his body. There are bruises on the ALV’s back, left elbow, and neck. The reporter stated that the ALV reported that the long neck scratch came from the ALAB. The ALV stated that the ALAB was choking him and scratched the front part of his neck, according to the reporter".
-Line 181. Intake Number 20414. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In February 2022, a staff member purposely hit a student in the head while he was restraining him:
Intake Number: 18822
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 02/03/2022
Allegation Narrative:
"A-19920-The ALV was bleeding from the nose. The ALV had dried blood from his nose as well as swelling and bruising on his nose. The ALV had abrasion marks on the cheeks and mouth. The ALV had a cut on the lower lip. The ALV stated, "He hit me" referring to the ALAB. The ALV stated, "He tried to fake bite release me" referring to the ALAB. The ALAB hit the ALV when he was being held down and in a restraint. First aid was administered to the ALV and the ALV was taken to (redacted) Hospital. A-19922-ALV was placed on physical hold for attempting to kick or punch staff members. ALV was then brought to Floor Hold. While ALV was on the floor hold staff was holding his legs and arms onto the floor. ALAB was observed via camera hitting ALV in the face several times after ALV tried to bite him. ALV has a swollen nose and busted lips. The nurse also noticed blood in ALV's nose and mouth. ALV was sent to the hospital and the extent of his injuries are not known to the reporter at this time. (redacted) took picture of ALV's injuries".
-Line 169. Intake Number 18822. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
Staff Incompetence, Neglect, and Not Keeping Students Safe
In May 2017, while on a trip to Six Flags, a staff member accidentally gave the wrong student several different strong psychotropic medications:
Case Number: 157340
Intake Date: 05/31/2017
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency DDS
Overall Finding:
Screening Decision: OUT
Referred to DA: No
Source Date: 5/31/2017
Alleged Summary:
"On 5/27/2017, Alv and a few staff and peers were on an outing at Six Flags. Staff had taken the meds for the clients with them. Alv who does not take any psych meds was given someone else’s meds. He was given numerous psych meds such as Lithium. Lubax, Trazadone, Depakote. After taking the meds Alv had a hard time staying awake, was shaky and had some slur speech. Nurse was notified and it was advised that Alv be taken from Six Flags to Mercy Medical Center in Springfield. Alv was seen by doctor who indicated that a single dose of each of the meds are unlikely to cause any untoward effects except some transient sleepiness. Alv to be monitored. The ALAB was placed om restriction, taken off schedule without pay, pending further investigation".
-Line 34. Case Number 157340. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In April 2018, a staff member left the remote controls for the GEDs unattended in a room where anyone could get to them and shock students. Luckily, nothing happened:
Case Number: 167756
Intake Date: 4/24/2018
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency DDS
Overall Finding:
Screening Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Source Date: 6/06/2018
Alleged Summary:
“The incident happened on 4/24/18 around 9am. There are several students that wear backpacks that are connected to wires and connected to straps that are on their bodies. The transmitter that sends electric shocks, and are directly coded to each client, were left out and anyone may have had access to the transmitters in the file room. There was no staff nearby in the room and other clients could have had access to them. The transmitters should never be left unattended for obvious reasons”.
-Line 95. Case Number 167756. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In March 2020, a student was being sexually groomed by her roommate:
Case Number: 193603
Intake Date: 3/21/2020
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency: DCF
Overall Finding:
Screening Decision: 4A
Referred to DA: Yes
Source Date: 3/23/2020
Alleged Summary:
“According to the reporter, the OI was grooming the ALV for sexual activities. The OI and ALV are roommates. The OI took a bed sheet and blocked the ALV's bunk from the view of the camera. The OI had been saying sexual comments to ALV, including asking for anal sex and things of that nature. In the video footage, the ALV is seen getting into sexual type positions and the OI grabbing a container of something that could have been used as lubricant”.
-Line 279. Case Number 2193603. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In May 2020, a student was harassed and assaulted by another student:
Case Number: 195260
Intake Date: 05/08/2020
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Referral Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Screening Decision: 4C
Referred to DA: Yes
Source Date: 05/08/2020
Alleged Summary:
“On 05/18/2020, ALV asked ALAB to leave him alone repeatedly. ALAB pushed ALV into a wall and Alv punched ALAB in the face. Another staff brought Alv to the kitchen and attempted to restrain ALV. ALAB intervened and choked Alv with two hands. Alv has marks and lacerations on his neck near the chest area. Information received by fax".
-Line 304. Case Number 195260. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In October 2020, it was discovered that a staff member hid his criminal record when being hired:
Intake Number: 3151
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 10/13/2020
Allegation Narrative:
“ALAB is employed with the Judge Rotenberg Center and did not report his criminal record (redacted)”.
-Line 28. Intake Number 3151. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In April 2021, a student told someone that he was being physically abused by two individuals at the JRC:
Intake Number: 8719
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DCF
Overall Finding:
Decision: 4A
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 04/16/2021
Allegation Narrative:
“Informant reported that ALV expressed that he has endured some physical abuse from both ALABS”.
-Line 74. Intake Number 8719. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In May 2021, a student reported that she was being bullied by another student and staff wasn’t helping her:
Intake Number: 9251
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Unsubstantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 05/03/2021
Allegation Narrative:
“ALV has been bullied by OI. OI verbally abuses ALV, instigates ALV, makes fun of ALV, and talks behind ALV’s back. OI calls ALV a “bitch” and “fat.” ALV states that no one has done anything about this incident. ALV stated she asked ALAB to be moved when she was being bullied by OI and ALAB denied it. ALV attempted suicide this week due to being bullied. ALV states that all staff is ignoring the fact that she is being bullied".
-Line 81. Intake Number 9251. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In August 2021, a student was groped by another student:
Intake Number: 12725
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 08/06/2021
Allegation Narrative:
“The ALV states she and the ALAB have been saying inappropriate things to one another. The ALV states she was going down the basement stairs and the ALAB slapped her on the buttocks. The ALV states this incident was unwanted touching”.
-Line 123. Intake Number 12725. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In September 2021, a student told staff that she was sexually assaulted on the playground, but they dismissed her:
Intake Number: 14178
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DCF
Overall Finding:
Decision: 4A
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 09/15/2021
Allegation Narrative:
"A-15009-Reporter stated that after lunch at the playground the ALV stated she was sexually assaulted by the ALAB. The ALV stated that the ALAB put his hands in her pants and touched her. The ALV also stated that he kissed her and put his penis in her mouth. According to the reporter, the ALV stated that she was at the playground by herself and no one was around. The ALV stated she told other staff members on the day of the incident which was September 10th of 2021, but they told her she was making it up and seeking attention. ALV stated they did not bring her to the hospital until now, September 13, 2021. The ALV stated that this has happened before with the same staff member.vA-15112-ALV reports past assaults, but the most recent involved the ALV being penetrated by the ALAB on a playground on 9/10/21".
-Line 133. Intake Number 14178. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In February 2022, a student reported feeling pressured to let someone kiss her. Staff members knew, but didn’t report it:
Intake Number: 6837
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DPPC
Overall Finding: Substantiated
Decision: 4B
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 02/22/2021
Allegation Narrative:
“ALAB and ALV went behind a door, out of camera view, and kissed several times. (redacted) received the information from a staff member. It is unclear if staff member saw them. The details of the incident were passed around through staff. 5 direct care staff members knew of the incident and did not report it. (redacted) questioned ALV about the incident. ALV stated that she was scared and felt pressured to go with ALAB. ALV also stated that ALAB put his hand on her thigh”.
-Line 65. Intake Number 6837. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
In March 2022, a student reported being assaulted by someone:
Intake Number: 20530
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DCF
Overall Finding:
Decision: 4A
Referred to DA: Yes
Screen Date: 03/24/2022
Allegation Narrative:
“Reporter was not around when the incident occurred, but the ALV and another student reported ALAB punched and scratched the ALV. Reporter stated the ALV reported he had scratches on his buttocks also. Reporter was very brief on details of the incident. Previous report(s) may have been made to DPPC".
-Line 182. Intake Number 20530. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
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In March 2022, a student ate a battery, went to the ER, and told them she was being abused by people at the JRC:
Intake Number: 20815
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 03/31/2022
Allegation Narrative:
"The reporter is alleging physical abuse of ALV by ALAB. ALV resides at (redacted). The reporter said the ALV's chart states the ALV is the "ward of the state" and has no decision maker for her. The reporter stated the case worker and a teacher brought the ALV to the ER because ALV ate a battery today (3.23.22). The ALV arrived at the hospital around 4pm. The reporter stated the ALV is reporting that she is being physically abused at this facility and ALV does not want to go back. The reporter said the ALV said "they" put hands on her and "they" physically abuse her. The ALV is saying she does not want to return there because she is being abused at the program".
-(Line 183. Intake Number 20815. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
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In May 2022, parents unenrolled their child from the JRC because every time they visited, he was unwashed and unkempt:
Intake Number: 22087
Vendor: Judge Rotenberg Education Center
Protective Service Agency: DDS
Investigating Agency: DDS
Overall Finding:
Decision: Out
Referred to DA: No
Screen Date: 05/06/2022
Allegation Narrative:
“Today reporter received a call from social worker at MCS. Social worker at MCS reported to reporter that she had just been on the phone with ALV's parents. ALV's parents decided to BRI/JRCng ALV home from ALAB facility where he has been a student for a few months. The reason ALV's parents brought ALV home is that they repeatedly came to visit ALV and found him dirty, unshowered, and unkempt generally”.
-Line 197. Intake Number 22087. DPPC Judge Rotenberg Center Allegations July 1, 2020 to May 21, 2022 Excel Sheet
The Victimization of Disabled People
Disabled people are violently victimized at almost four times the rate of non-disabled people (42, 43).
Disabled Hispanic and Latino people and people who are two or more races have the highest victimization rates (42).
People with developmental disabilities are four to ten times more likely to be the victim of a crime, and more likely to be victimized repeatedly by the same person (44).
People with intellectual disabilities are sexually assaulted at seven times the rate as people without intellectual disabilities (45).
Gibbs et al., 2022 found that 75.4% of the autistic participants experienced sexual harassment. 60% had experienced sexual violence (compared to 56.4% and 28.2% of non-autistic adults) (46).
Disabled children are over three times more likely to be abused or victimized than non-disabled children (44).
Between 40% and 50% of autistic adults report being sexually abused as a child (46).
Autistic children, especially those who are non-speaking, are more prone to being sexually assaulted. They are up to 4 times as likely to be sexually abused (47).
There’s even a Disability Day of Mourning to honor the numerous disabled children and adults murdered by their parents (48, 49). According to the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, in the past five years, more than 570 disabled people have been murdered by their parents, relatives, or caregivers (50). That is an average of at least 114 disabled people every year. Just for comparison, the FBI reports that 450 children are murdered by their parents every year in the US (51).
NPR examined state and federal data; court records; and media accounts and determined that crimes against intellectually disabled people go “mostly unrecognized, unprosecuted and unpunished” and that many survivors are revictimized over and over again (45).
According to the Disability and Abuse Project, 70% of developmentally disabled people who live in group homes have been assaulted, physically or sexually abused, or neglected. 50% experienced physical abuse and 41% experienced sexual abuse (52).
There are many reasons that disabled people are victimized and abused, but it all comes back to ableism, eugenics, and the blatant disregard for the existence and autonomy of disabled people.
Board-certified behavior analyst, Jo Ram, asserts that enforcing obedience and blanket compliance to authority grooms autistics and the developmentally disabled to be more likely to be taken advantage of, bullied, and abused (53). The Judge Rotenberg Center punishes individuals who don’t comply. Abuse is the “therapy”, so it’s no wonder so many students end up being victimized by the very people hired to care for them.
What Former JRC Students Have to Say About Their Experience
Former JRC Student, Rob Santana interviewed by Jennifer Gonnerman. August 20, 2007. “School of Shock” Mother Jones
Rob Santana was sent to the Judge Rotenberg Center in Canton Massachusetts in 1999, when he was 13 years old. He was diagnosed with bipolar, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD and was made to wear a backpack with ten pounds of battery operated devices that connected electrodes to his skin 24 hours a day, every day. At night he slept with the backpack next to him, but still attached. In an interview with Mother Jones, he states “I felt humiliated. You have a bunch of wires coming out of your shirt and pants”. He received shocks for minor things like cursing or yelling, as well as aggressive behavior. Rob says the 2-second shocks “hurt like hell”. There were times he was tied face down to a 4-point restraint and repeatedly shocked. He became suicidal and started experiencing nightmares. His mother thought that regular psychiatric counseling would be provided, but the school does not offer this. They don’t care about the root of the problem and why he was acting out. In 2002, his mother demanded that the GED be removed from his treatment plan and Matthew Israel told her to either allow the GED to be used or unenroll him, which she did. In 2005, Rob Santana was arrested twice (once for attempted assault and another for drugs and assault), spent time in jail, and states that the Judge Rotenberg Center is “worse than jail. That place is the worst place on earth” (3).
Former Student “XXX” writes a letter to Nancy Weiss. 2012
“Dear Ms. Weiss
Hello my name is xxx. I was told you are someone I can talk to in confidence and be safe. I would like to share with you my letter that I wrote to the FDA about life inside JRC and on the GEDs. It was torture being there. And I suffered so much. I am still tormented. Here is my letter of testimony:
My name is xxx and I attended the Judge Rotenberg Center. I am writing to ask you to please reconsider your approval of the GED for use on ANY human being. I was placed on the GED about 2 months after arriving. I started out on the GED-1, and during my last few years I was placed on the GED-4. There are so many of us that were tortured with these devices, this “treatment”. I believe the reason why more ex-students haven’t spoken out is because they are either non-verbal, afraid, or believe that no one cares about us or it will not make a difference. Parents and families that speak and rally in favor of the GED, are not the ones who have to experience it, the pain and anxiety, day after day for years on end.
The GED IS harmful. Even the GED-1. I was burned many times, and I still have scars on my stomach from being repeatedly shocked there, by the FDA approved GED-1. The electrodes had actually burned into my skin. I experienced long term loss of sensation and numbness in my lower left leg, after getting a shock there. I felt searing pain all the way down to the bottom of my foot, and was left with no feeling in my skin from the knee down for about a year. Again, this was with the GED-1. After complaining to JRC nursing about my leg, they told me to tell the Neurologist about it during a follow up visit for a suspected seizure. He asked the staff what that device was on my leg, and they explained to him it was an electrode. After their explanation, the Neurologist said, “Well, I don’t know what that thing is, but it needs to come off.” JRC left the device off my leg for about a year, then decided on their own, without sending me back to a Neurologist, it was ok to put it back. I have seen students with torso electrodes accidentally placed on their spine area, get a shock there and be violently bent backwards.
Also, I would like you to know that the devices have a tendency to malfunction and go off all by themselves. JRC refers to this as a “misapplication”. It happened to me and other students so many times I cannot count. Sometimes the GED’s will just start to go off and shock you by themselves. Other times the staff shock one student but the remote can also set off someone else’s device at the same time. I have also gotten accidentally shocked from staff mixing up my device with another student’s device, shocking me instead. Then there are the times when staff intentionally misuse the GED. I have had a staff who became angry with me and started pushing more than one remote at a time, shocking me several places on my body at once. I have had staff intentionally give me shocks for things I didn’t do in places like the bus where there was no camera to prove it. I have had numerous staff over my years there threaten me with a GED, antagonize me to try and get me to have a behavior they can then shock me for, merely for the sport of it. Staff can and DO use the GED to scare non-verbal students into doing what they want them to by pretending they are about to shock them. Some even laugh when they do this.
Many of the things I and others get shocked for at JRC were very small things. They would often shock us for things simply because staff found them annoying and they would keep writing therapy notes until our psychologist added it to our program. I got shocked for tic like body movements, for which I have no control over, and which don't hurt me or anybody else. I would be shocked for waving my hand in front of my face for more than 5 seconds, for closing my ears with my fingers, which I do when things get too loud, because I cannot tolerate too much noise. I would be shocked for wrapping my foot around the leg of my chair, for tensing up my body or my fingers, and the list goes on and on. There was a period of time where I and many of the other students were getting shocked for having 5 verbal behaviors in an hour. A verbal behavior is a minor behavior like talking to yourself, noises (such as clearing your throat), or talking without permission. Every hour would start a new block. And if you were pinpointed more than 4 times in that hour, on the 5th you would get a shock, and then for EVERY minor verbal behavior after that you would be shocked. If you talked out a 6th time, shock. If you had to go to the bathroom, and you had to go really bad, but you asked more then once, that would be nagging, which is a verbal behavior. And these were the things we were getting shocked for. My program was this way for a while. Some of my verbal behaviors I got pinpointed for were crying, talking to myself (even quietly), noises, laughing, humming, repeating myself and inappropriate tone of voice (which was based on staff's opinion of how my voice should sound). Almost every time I spoke or answered a question, I was pinpointed with these behaviors. My reaction was to stop speaking, but they also made part of my program that if I didn't answer staff in 5 seconds, I would automatically be shocked. I was paralyzed with fear every day. No matter what I did I was doomed. I ask those who read my letter to think to themselves about how often they do some of these things while they are working. Twirl their pens, talk to yourself or think out loud, ask a question to someone nearby, hum a song that's in your head, laugh at something funny in the room. These are things humans do. And they are not harmful. Yet we were being subjected to terrible pain and fear for doing these simple things. One day, out of the blue, the case managers went through the building and scratched off this punishment from all their students recording sheets. They didn't say anything to us about it, just made it like it never happened. Although I can't say for sure, I overheard talk that one of the male students had told his lawyer and family they were shocking him for talking, and that JRC was never supposed to be allowed to do that to us. Whatever the reason, they covered it up fast. And even though they stopped, they still need to be held accountable for all of it. Because it went on for a very long time, and I suffered greatly because of it. People NEED to know these things happened.
There was a time when I was there that I was on the portion program. This is where JRC starves you as a punishment for having a behavior. For example, my first plan was that for every time I had a minor behavior, such as talking to myself, rocking, wiggling my fingers, I would lose a part of my next meal. My meals came to the classroom cut into tiny pieces and divided into portions inside of a little plastic cup. Every time I had one of these little behaviors, I was forced to stand up and throw one cup away. There were many days I would lose most of my meals. And the hungrier I got, the more frantic and restless my body became. This caused me to have more behaviors like tics and rocking, and in turn I would lose more food. My mind clouded and I could no longer concentrate. I would often become so frustrated from this I would end up hurting myself. At the end of the day, at 7pm, I was offered "LOP" (loss of privilege) food. This was made intentionally to be completely unappetizing. It was ice cold, and it was made up of chicken chunks, mash potato, spinach, and then doused with liver powder, then set to sit in the refrigerator for days. The smell alone made me sick. And I never once was able to eat it, no matter how hungry I got.
It was very difficult to sleep at JRC. There are several alarms in the room and over the bed. Every time someone moved in bed it would set a loud alarm off that could be heard throughout the house. Most of us on GED's had to sleep with the devices on. That means locks and straps that get all tangled around you and make it very hard to lay down in a comfortable way. I was very anxious to close my eyes, always fearing a shock for something I might not have even known I did. My fears came true one day, and I was given a GED-4 shock while I was asleep. It was not explained to me why I got this shock. I was terrified and angry. I was crying. I kept asking why? And they kept telling me "No talking out". After a few minutes Monitoring called, and told the staff to shock me again for "Loud, repetitive, disruptive talking out." The next day I asked the supervisor why I had gotten that GED. And she explained that staff had found a small piece of plastic in my self-care box, which contained my shampoo bottles etc, and that they considered this a hidden weapon. I could not believe it. I did not hide anything in my self-care box. I had not done anything wrong. Yet I was shocked for it, and worse off in my sleep. That piece of plastic, of which I was never shown, had probably broken off of one of the plastic containers inside the box. And I was severely punished for this. After this incident I really stopped sleeping. Every time I closed my eyes they would jump open, anticipating that jolt somewhere in my body.
I truly believe that the judges that approve us for the GED have no idea what it really is like. All they have to go on is what JRC claims. The GED does not feel like a “hard pinch” or a “bee sting.” It is a horrible pain that causes your muscles to contract very hard, leaving you sore afterward. I would often have a limp for one or two days after receiving a GED. The devices JRC puts on us are not the same ones they show to the outside world when they let outsiders try the GED. Students wear a different electrode, a long one with 2 metal electrodes that radiate the electricity across a large area.
Besides the physical pain, life with GEDs is a life of constant anxiety. I experienced heart palpitations daily, had a very hard time sleeping and eating, and became rather paranoid, always wondering if I was about to get shocked and constantly alert in all directions. I eventually became very depressed there and contemplated suicide every night. Now, after having been gone almost 4 years, I am still having nightmares and flashbacks during the day, especially when I hear certain noises that remind me of GEDs and JRC.
I want to mention, similar to many other students, I was also tied to the 4-point restraint board and given multiple shocks for a single behavior. And if I screamed out in fear while on the board, I would be shocked for that as well. I was shocked for behaviors I had no control over, such as tensing up and tic-like body movements. We were always having to watch others getting shocked in the room. Hearing others scream, cry, beg to not be shocked. Students would scream “I’m sorry, No, Please!!” all day. I, like other students, would cringe and feel sick and helpless while watching others getting shocked. I was so anxious about getting shocked that I would many times bang my head just to get it over with. The GED often was the cause of my behavior problems. The students that get shocked the most at JRC are non-verbal. So they cannot speak up. I feel that just because we were born different, we are not given the same rights to be protected from tortures like the GED.
We are at the mercy of guardians and judges. When I was brought to court to be approved for the GED, I was not told where we were going or why. I was brought into the courtroom wearing a helmet and restraints on my wrists and ankles. I was not questioned by the judge. All he had to go on was my appearance in those restraints, testimony from JRC officials, and charts of provoked behaviors. These behaviors came from being forced to sit in isolation with a straight upright posture, in the center of a hard restraint board, day after day, week after week, for two months. I received no real help and no socialization. For those two months I was not allowed to sit in a chair, at the classroom or residence. I was to sit on the board. Also, JRC provoked me by not allowing me to shower during those two months. Instead of showers, I was bathed tied to a restraint board, naked, while staff washed me, putting their hands all over me. All in front of cameras, where Monitoring watched, including men. Being tied on a restraint board, naked, with my private areas exposed to the staff in the bathroom and the cameras was the most horrible, vulnerable, frightening experience for me. I would scream out “rape, rape!” And these were recorded as major behaviors for me. When I first arrived at JRC, I was immediately subjected to humiliation and provocation by them forcing me to wear a diaper. I in NO WAY needed or have ever needed a diaper as an adult. I am completely independent in all toilet and hygiene skills. And they knew that. I had NEVER worn a diaper up until that day, except of course when I was a little baby. And that is exactly how they made me feel, like a little baby. I was embarrassed and confused and angry. I took that diaper off constantly. When I would take the diaper off they would mark that down on my chart that they would later show the judge as destructive behavior. I would often get restrained on the 4 point board for taking off the diaper and fighting staff not to make me put it back on. In these ways and more, JRC provoked many behaviors in me that were shown on a chart to the judge. There is no way the judge could know what was provoking my behaviors. JRC told the judges that their program was the only thing that could help me. That theirs is the only last resort treatment.
I was considered a difficult case. I would like you to know that I am doing very well in a new program that is nothing like JRC. I don’t get shocked or put in restraints, and I am given help by staff and doctors that I can talk to. I am not drugged up as JRC claims I would be if I left. JRC made no attempt to understand me. Feelings do not matter to JRC and we were specifically not allowed to express them. I felt like an animal test subject there. My new program does not punish me for my problems, that are the result of having Aspergers Syndrome. I have gotten so much better from getting real help instead of constant punishment and pain.
I ask you to please investigate carefully into the GED. The ones that are actually being used on the students, not the samples JRC provides, as I have experienced them to be extremely manipulative in all things. There are no doctors overseeing us with the GED. Every few years they would drive me to a doctors office near Framingham, Ma, and not tell me why. In his office he would literally walk in, say hi how are you, and before you can answer he has signed their papers and you are shown the door.
I have attached with this email a document I wrote called “The Board” which is about one of JRC’s worst tortures that they used on me and others. I wrote it so that outsiders can feel what we feel, and hopefully to help others understand the agony of GED treatment. I invite you to read it, and I hope it will share a new perspective for you, the perspective of the ones that should matter the most, the human beings on which these devices are being used.
Sincerely,
xxx" (54)
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Testimony before the FDA 2014
In April 2014, some former residents of the Judge Rotenberg Center testified before the FDA about their experiences with the GED:
Full transcript of Open Public Hearing of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee, Neurological Devices Panel . FDA. April 24, 2014. AutisticHoya.net https://autistichoya.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/fda-neuro04-24-14-final.pdf
Ian Cook: Transcript of testimony given before FDA public hearing (24 April 2014) https://autistichoya.net/2016/07/22/transcript-of-ian-cook-april-2014-testimony/
Jennifer Msumba: Transcript of testimony given before FDA public hearing (24 April 2014) https://autistichoya.net/2016/04/22/jennifer-msumba-april-2014-video-testimony/
Former JRC Student, Ian Cook’s testimony:
“I was a student at JRC from 2006 to 2009 and was on the GED-4 for the majority of the time I was there. The only good thing that the JRC did for me was taking me off of my medication. It turned out they were at the root of my problems.
The GED, however, didn't help me at all, on the contrary. I had been put on the GED due to my previous aggressive behavior. That said, I cannot remember a single time I was ever shocked for said behavior. Most of my shocks were for noncompliance or disruption. In fact, I was also subject to a method known as BRLs. While I was sitting in a restraint chair, a staff would burst into my conference room -- I was one-on-one alone with staff -- and screamed at me to hurt him holding a knife. Even though I did absolutely nothing and sat there in shock, not having any idea what was going on, I would receive a shock from the GED device.
This happened a couple of times a week, at first, and left me in a constant state of fear, never knowing when I'd be hurt for no reason. My experiences from the GED have affected me to this very day. I now suffer from a fear of authority, a fear of being controlled, and I panic when presented with either.
A side note. I was in an abusive relationship two years ago, and part of why I fell prey to it -- my belief -- is that JRC instilled a lesson in me that it is okay for people to hurt me so long as they are trying to correct me. I have, to the best of my knowledge, not experienced any beneficial effects, both either short term or long term, from the effects of the GED. I would strongly suggest, based on my personal experience and my ongoing difficulties, that the FDA ban the current and future use of the device. Thank you very much for having me” (56).
Former JRC Student, Jennifer Msumba’s video testimony:
“Hi. My name is Jennifer Msumba, and I wanted to make this video as my opportunity to express what happened to me when I was at the Judge Rotenberg Center, in regards to the GEDs and how it affected me. I was there from the year 2002 -- March 2002 until April in 2009.
When I would get a GED, I would get -- most of the times I would get a very bad muscle cramp that would last me for one to two days. I would get burn marks on my skin. They like to call them small, raised bumps. They're burn marks. It's electricity going into your skin, and it's very itchy and it stings afterwards, and you have these circular marks where you got the GED.
I also at one time was given several GEDs in one leg in a row, and I had a terrible pain shoot all the way through to my foot. And after that, I had no sensation in my skin on the lower half of my left leg. And for about a year, if I would touch my skin, I couldn't even feel anything that touched my skin, from that. Also the GEDs will, what they call, misfire a lot. That happened to me in double digits, where it would go off by itself maybe if it got wet. One time I got caught in the rain. Other times, if they give a GED to someone else nearby and that device is too similar to yours, it can set yours off.
Then I had times when the staff made mistakes and mixed up whose device they're using. So they're meaning to give a GED to another student, and they give it to you. I've seen some people's just go off and keep going off and going off over and over, and staff would literally to have rip open the bag and pull out all the wires to get it to stop. These are things that you were getting shocked for no reason at all, not even for behavior. It's an accident, and it happens all the time. It's not safe. It doesn't feel safe.
I ended up having nightmares weekly, if not nightly -- at least once a week -- about JRC and the GEDs, about being on the GEDs. In these nightmares I'm getting shocked. During the day, if I hear certain noises, like the Velcro they use to keep them closed, I freeze. I feel like it's about to happen to me. Or if I'm having a hard time, I start to think I'm there again and that I'm going to get shocked for it. I've been to dozens of horrible places, hospitals, residential schools --
DR. YANG: That was three minutes. Can you stop the video?
MS. MSUMBA: -- and I have never once had a nightmare about any of them. (Video stopped.)” (57).
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Former Student Rico Torres talks to NBC News about wearing GED for 10 years (2021)
In 2021, NBC news interviewed a former student at the Judge Rotenberg Center, Rico Torres, who had to wear the GED and receive shocks from age 8 to 18. His treatment plan allowed him to be shocked for swearing, screaming, refusing to follow directions, threatening another student, and running away. He says what he really needed was help with communication since he was born to two deaf parents, but instead he received shocks. One staff member would shock him in his sleep, which would cause him to urinate, and he would get shocked again. "What they're doing is just taking people that have issues and just building more" (58).
Former Student “K.C.” talks to Boston 25 News (2023)
KC did not receive shocks, but she was restrained for swearing or not complying. She witnessed students receiving shocks and said it was traumatizing to see. She said there’s a pattern of abuse at the JRC and that some staff treat students they don’t like “ten times worse”. (32)
Gitmo, Abu Ghraib, or the JRC?
In 1971, psychology professor Philip Zimbardo built a mock prison in the basement of a Stanford University building to study the social expectations on behavior and the psychological effects of authority and powerlessness. Twenty-four physically and psychologically healthy young men were chosen and split into two groups-prisoners and guards. The guards were given nice uniforms, mirrored sunglasses to prohibit eye contact, and had free reign to do whatever they wanted. The prisoners wore long baggy white smocks, no pants, and a chain around one leg. They were stripped of humanity, confined to a cell, and under the full control of people who were their equals a week prior (59, 60, 61).
The guards began physically and psychologically abusing the prisoners on the 2nd day. By the 4th day, three of the prisoners had been released due to mental breakdowns. By the 6th day, the experiment had to be shut down. Guards made prisoners do push-ups for breaking rules, being disrespectful, or for no reason at all. They took the beds out of the prisoners’ cells, denied them food, and used solitary confinement. Prisoners were made to get naked, wear hoods or blindfolds, be chained to one another, clean the toilets with their bare hands, and go to the bathroom in a bucket in their cell. They were traumatized, depressed, and disoriented. It took less than 48 hours for regular people pretending to be guards to abuse regular people pretending to be prisoners (59, 60, 61).
In 2002, a year after 9/11, George W Bush established the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba. Terrorists and people suspected of being terrorists were held there indefinitely and subject to torture. They experienced sleep deprivation; sensory deprivation; prolonged solitary confinement; exposure to loud noises, music, and extreme temperatures; forced stress positions, drugging, and feedings; waterboarding; religious and cultural persecution and desecration of religious and cultural items; medical neglect; rape, sexual abuse, nudity, and humiliation; electric shock; and other physical and psychological assaults (62).
At the same time, in the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, the United States subjected terrorists and people suspected to be terrorists to the same torture and abuse. People were held indefinitely, and they experienced sleep deprivation, sensory deprivation; exposure to loud noises, music, and extreme temperatures; forced stress positions; rape, sexual abuse, nudity, and humiliation; dogs and snake bites; electric shock; murder and the desecration of bodies; and other physical and psychological assaults (63).
The similarities between the torture used by the US government and the methods used by staff at the JRC over the past 50 years are unsettling. It doesn't take much to convince someone with power that someone without power is less than human, and therefore, threatening and deserving of violence. The main difference is that it’s technically illegal to electric shock and abuse incarcerated people and prisoners of war, but perfectly legal to shock and abuse disabled people. The JRC is the only facility that uses the most outdated and violent versions of Applied Behavior Analysis.
Maybe the staff members who abuse disabled people are bad, maybe they are influenced by an environment that dehumanizes and oppresses disabled people, or maybe they are just following orders like low-level nazis. Whatever the reason, the Judge Rotenberg Center is a violent and traumatic place for disabled and mentally ill people to live.
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References
1. Paul Kix. June 17, 2008. “The Shocking Truth” Boston Magazine. https://www.bostonmagazine.com/2008/06/17/the-shocking-truth/
2. Ric Kahn. November 26, 1985. “Dr. Hurt” The Boston Pheonix. Article and related pictures arranged by Derrick Jeffries, March 10, 2008. Archived by Lydia X.Z. Brown. https://autistichoya.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/doctor-hurt-by-ric-kahn-1985-text-transcription-by-lydia-brown-20131.pdf
3. Jennifer Gonnerman. August 20, 2007. “School of Shock” Mother Jones. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2007/08/school-shock/
4. Jennifer Gonnerman “Matthew Israel Interviewed by Jennifer Gonnerman” August 20, 2007. Mother Jones. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2007/08/matthew-israel-interviewed-jennifer-gonnerman/
5. Department of Social Services, State of California investigation into Behavior Research Institute. 1982. Photocopy of original. (not text accessible): https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1282840-ca-investigation-1982.html
6. Tobinworld. (2023, November 26). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobinworld
7. Kelly Corrigan. “Tobinworld, named for founder’s son, turns 40” November 23, 2016.Glendale News Press. https://www.latimes.com/socal/glendale-news-press/tn-gnp-me-anniversary-20161125-story.html
8. New York State Education Department investigation of the Behavior Research Institute. 1979. Original PDF. AutisticHoya.com https://autistichoya.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/1979_nysomrdd_investigation.pdf
9.1979NYSbrireportfwpdf New York State Education Department investigation of the Behavior Research Institute. 1979. 1979 New York State Report on the Behavior Research Institute (text accessible)
10. Quentin Davies. “Prisoners of the Apparatus: The Judge Rotenberg Center” August 9, 2014. Autistic Self Advocacy Network. https://autisticadvocacy.org/2014/08/prisoners-of-the-apparatus/
11. Fox Butterfield. “Judge Backs Discipline at Institute For AutisticJune 5, 1986. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1986/06/05/us/judge-backs-discipline-at-institute-for-autistic.html
12. Rory Schuler. “Mistrust of center grows with title slips” October, 26, 2006. Taunton Gazette. https://web.archive.org/web/20100707002437/https://www.judgerc.org/NewsArticles/mistrust_of.html
13. New York State Education Department Review of Judge Rotenberg Center. 2006 https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/1379107-2006-nysed-review-of-judge-rotenberg-center.html
14. “Staff fired over prank-call shock treatments” Dec. 20, 2007. The Associated Press. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna22347088
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