Coroner's Inquest Fund
Donation protected
On December 2, 2013, Michael MacIsaac a man with epilepsy and while suffering post-ictal psychosis was shot to death by a Durham Region Police officer.
Regrettably, Michael’s story is not completely unique as there have been many people with invisible disabilities (disabilities such as epilepsy, autism, Alzheimer’s, brain injury, hearing impaired, etc. that are not immediately apparent) who have been injured or killed by law enforcement.
In the face of Michael’s death and many others, we feel the need for training reform is not only clear but is also urgent. Law enforcement officers must be trained in how to respond to ALL individuals including those suffering from disabilities; people who communicate, think, learn and emote differently MUST have the accommodations, supports and guidance granted the rest of society.
In the case of my brother, Michael MacIsaac, he was on a residential street while naked on a cold December Monday morning …. It should have been clear to even the most basic trained police officer that Michael was in a crisis and in need of medical assistance.
A Coroner’s Inquest into Michael’s death is being held and will begin on July 17, 2017 and our family is requesting support which will enable us to have legal representation to ensure that all circumstances surrounding Michael’s death are considered.
We hope to be able to fully participate in the upcoming inquest we plan to push for positive change as outlined above in hope of preventing similar tragedies from happening in future.
Regrettably, Michael’s story is not completely unique as there have been many people with invisible disabilities (disabilities such as epilepsy, autism, Alzheimer’s, brain injury, hearing impaired, etc. that are not immediately apparent) who have been injured or killed by law enforcement.
In the face of Michael’s death and many others, we feel the need for training reform is not only clear but is also urgent. Law enforcement officers must be trained in how to respond to ALL individuals including those suffering from disabilities; people who communicate, think, learn and emote differently MUST have the accommodations, supports and guidance granted the rest of society.
In the case of my brother, Michael MacIsaac, he was on a residential street while naked on a cold December Monday morning …. It should have been clear to even the most basic trained police officer that Michael was in a crisis and in need of medical assistance.
A Coroner’s Inquest into Michael’s death is being held and will begin on July 17, 2017 and our family is requesting support which will enable us to have legal representation to ensure that all circumstances surrounding Michael’s death are considered.
We hope to be able to fully participate in the upcoming inquest we plan to push for positive change as outlined above in hope of preventing similar tragedies from happening in future.
Organizer
Joanne MacIsaac
Organizer
Mississauga, ON
