On November 21, 2024, my daughter Rilei, a 7-year-old child with autism and epilepsy experienced a life-threatening emergency during a school day in Baltimore, Maryland at after care. She suffered a seizure and stopped breathing. The response was so delayed and traumatic that a hospital chaplain was brought into the room. Rilei survived, but her story is not unique. Across the country, children with disabilities and chronic medical conditions are too often left unprotected in schools where staff are untrained, emergency plans are unclear, and parents are not notified in time. Her school and aftercare staff failed her during this medical crisis. 

Her condition is well-documented. Her medication was on file. But the school was either untrained, unprepared, or negligent. As a result, she nearly died. No child should have to suffer like this. No parent should have to watch their child fight for their life because a school didn’t act. Her rights were violated.

We call on the Maryland State Department of Education and all relevant licensing agencies to update the definition and training requirements for Certified Child Care Specialists and School Staff such as gym teachers aftercare staff etc....These professionals must be equipped to provide safe, inclusive, and equitable care for all children, including those with autism, epilepsy, and other neurodivergent conditions.

We call on child care specialists and school staff to take immediate responsibility and ensure no child experiences neglect, unsafe practices, or lack of communication in the future.

• Rilei’s Law proposes a comprehensive student protection policy for Baltimore City Public Schools, and Baltimore County with a focus on:
• Disability-Informed Crisis Response
• Autism-specific care training, requiring staff training for identifying and de-escalating autism-related behaviors (stimming, shutdowns, elopement).
• Seizure recognition and emergency protocols for epileptic students.
  Trauma-Informed Care Standards
• Post-incident support plans, including parent communication and mental health referral.
  Restorative practices that avoid retraumatization.
  Communication & Parent Notification Policy
• Parents must be contacted immediately following incidents affecting health, safety, or emotional well-being.
  Transparency in written reporting and follow-up.
  IEP & 504 Plan Accountability
• Stronger enforcement of accommodations with automatic review when ignored.
  Internal audit system to flag repeated noncompliance.
• Neurodiversity awareness and inclusion training, recognizing and respecting the unique strengths and needs of neurodivergent children.
• Mandatory seizure recognition and first aid training, including individualized seizure aftercare plans.

Accountability Matters:
If a staff member fails to follow a child’s medical plan or respond appropriately in an emergency, they should not be permitted to work in any capacity around children. The safety of children must always come first, and negligence should have real consequences.

No parent should have to worry if their child will get the right care in a medical emergency. No child should suffer because the adult responsible for them “didn’t know what to do.” These changes will save lives, reduce trauma, and build trust between families and care providers.

Every child deserves safety. Every parent deserves answers. Sign now and stand with us.