For Immediate Release
3/04/2020
Contact: David Card
202.408.9514 x122
[email protected]
Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule banning the use of electrical stimulation devices (ESDs) on people with disabilities who exhibit self-injurious or aggressive behavior. In response, the National Disability Rights Network Executive Director Curt Decker issued the following statement:
“The National Disability Rights Network is grateful the FDA has stopped the use of these horrific devices on children and adults with disabilities.
“As the national association for the nation’s Protection and Advocacy Systems, our members are on the front lines protecting people with disabilities from abuse, neglect and exploitation every day. In that time, we have represented individuals who have been burned, scarred, and traumatized after being exposed to ESD’s. Because of our experiences, we’ve vehemently opposed the use of these devices on people with disabilities and have advocated for their end at the state and federal level. Torture is not treatment.
“We know there are better alternatives to ESDs such as positive behavioral supports, modification, and interventions that are safe and more effective. Ending the use of ESD’s is overdue and we appreciate that the FDA has finally taken action.”
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The National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) is the nonprofit membership organization for the federally mandated Protection and Advocacy (P&A) Systems and the Client Assistance Programs (CAP) for individuals with disabilities. Collectively, the Network is the largest provider of legally based advocacy services to people with disabilities in the United States.
