Protesters at the Independence Day protest of the Life Worthy of Life, Disabled Not Disposable, Justice for Michael Hickson vigil.

JUSTICE FOR MICHAEL; BLACK DISABLED LIVES MATTER

On the evening of July 4th, Independence Day, ADAPT of Texas, Not Dead Yet, Democratic Socialist of America, DSA and other activists joined forces on the side of the Rte. 71 (West Ben White Blvd) access road in front of St David’s South Austin Hospital to protest against rationing the lives of people with disabilities.  Wearing masks and keeping the 6 foot social distance protesters stood with signs and called for fair treatment of disabled people who get COVID-19.  

Nicky Boyte and Sophia Donnelly, organizers of the event, called for Justice for Michael Hickson, and a recognition that folks with disabilities have #lives worthy of living. The group was also calling for Charles Laird, CEO of St David’s South Austin, to meet and to amend their triage policies to be more just toward people with disabilities.

A doctor who treated Michael Hickson told his wife Michelle that the decision not to treat Michael was because of his disability. Michelle has a recording of this conversation.  The hospital Chief Medical Officer says this was not the reason. 

Demands for the vigil/protest against St David’s South Hospital where Michael Hickson was deemed unworthy of trying to save because of his disability.

After a couple of hours by the access road, protesters marched to the front of the hospital and sent in their demands. After, they shared their stories and feelings and wrote wishes on special paper that once lit, vaporized (to be environmentally friendly.)

Vigil protesters made a circle in front of the hospital and lit candles for Michael and people with disabilities with COVID 19.

The group numbered about 50 people and the passion was clear.  Some folks were quite vulnerable to respiratory issues but felt they must add their voices – in person – to the message.  Others were young activists who came to the issue from the Black Lives Matter activism, but clearly understood the disabled lives matter aspect too.

Advocates are thinking about next steps. 

See related post below of earlier protest. Check out the ADAPT of Texas Facebook page for more photos and videos of the vigil. 

Read Mike Ervin’s Shut Down the Death Traps, his take on Our Homes Not Nursing Homes