This petition is born from a deeply personal experience. A dear friend almost lost his life in a motorcycle accident, but after over a year of multiple brain surgeries, he made an incredible recovery. However, he was left with aphasia - a communication disorder that impairs the ability to speak, understand language, or express oneself verbally or in writing often caused by brain damage.

Despite his struggle with aphasia, my friend Desean is not lacking in intellect or intelligence. Yet this misunderstanding can lead to serious consequences when individuals like him interact with law enforcement or corrections departments who are not equipped to handle such situations.

In Delaware alone there are thousands of people living with aphasia (National Aphasia Association). These individuals deserve fair treatment and understanding from our law enforcement agencies and corrections departments. We need mandatory training for these professionals on how to communicate effectively with those suffering from aphasia and proper protocols put into place for those who cannot advocate for themselves due to their condition.

This petition calls on the State of Delaware to require all law enforcement officers and Department of Corrections staff members be trained in recognizing and dealing appropriately with individuals suffering from aphasia. This will ensure that everyone is treated fairly under the law regardless of their ability to communicate traditionally.

Currently Desean is incarcerated and has been since Dec 1st 2023 due to being falsely accused of strangulation with no evidence by a former/estranged in-law who has a documented history of hallucinations/fabrications and was under the influence of a tier 1 substance when accusing Desean of this crime.  Since Desean has aphasia he was unable to communicate with law enforcement at all and was completely unaware of why he was being detained.  Although he has been incarcerated since Dec 1st he did not appear to his Dec 12th court hearing which further shows how he is unable to receive just and fair treatment.  Also Desean’s pending charge has been misclassified by the court resulting in his bail being over double the max allowed by law. 

Please sign this petition today if you know Desean as a loving father, friend, & grandson who is no flight risk nor danger to the community or if you believe in equal rights for all citizens regardless of their physical conditions or disabilities!