Over the weekend, we had the opportunity to attend the Meet & Greet event for @thebluerunwayforautism and Eric's ID Law at Carolina Kitchen in Capitol Heights, MD. The Blue Runway for Autism embraces people from all walks of life and provides encouragement so they may have confidence in their own abilities.
As a mom of an awesome autistic child, this event was particularly meaningful to me.
Before my son was diagnosed, I didn't understand his different outbursts, especially since he didn't start truly speaking until the age of 3-4. Understanding him and what he wanted often left me in tears, feeling like I couldn't help him and losing my patience. I felt alone and uncertain. In my search for more patience and understanding, I delved deeper into Chakras, seeking ways to be more patient with him.
My son was around 7 when he was officially diagnosed with high-functioning autism. By then, I had learned a lot about him, but I know that truly understanding him will be a never-ending process. This journey has taught me patience, and my son has taught me how to love, be kind, speak up, and be honest. Along with his brothers, my children have helped me stay on this journey.
At the event, I had the opportunity to learn about Eric's ID Law from the amazing Marcy Patrick Trueheart and Tyreese R. McAllister from Thursday Therpy and Ayana McAllister's Legacy Foundation. Amongst the dopeness was Jamie & Erana Tyler Family & their son who also has a disability. This law is particularly significant to me, as I often worry about what would happen if my child were misunderstood by law enforcement or others. How would they know he is a kind, talented artist who gets agitated when afraid? This law brings me peace of mind.
Following the death of George Floyd, Linda Carpenter-Grantham, the mother of Eric Carpenter-Grantham, became increasingly concerned for her son's safety when encountering the police or other law enforcement. Eric has high-functioning autism, a non-apparent disability, which led him to create four symbols that can be placed on ID cards to inform law enforcement and first responders that an individual with a non-apparent disability is present and may require additional assistance.
Eric's ID Law would require the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration to ensure that licenses, permits, and IDs of applicants who choose to do so are printed with a symbol indicating the individual's invisible disability. This designation on ID would be completely optional for people with disabilities. Eric's ID Law was previously introduced as HB 1456/SB 1096 last legislative session and will be sponsored in the upcoming 2025 legislative session by Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins, Delegate Kym Taylor, and Senator William Smith.
All Marylanders should feel safe when encountering law enforcement. Eric's ID Law would help to rebuild trust and allow those with invisible disabilities to feel more secure.
If you're in Maryland or even if you're not, please support this bill.
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