Eric's ID Law: Advocating for Inclusivity and Safety
On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, Hector Garcia, Executive Director of +ADD Impact Network, stepped forward in support of SB 1096/HB 1456, commonly known as Eric’s ID law. This bill aims to allow individuals with nonapparent disabilities to indicate their condition on their driver’s license, identification card, or moped operator’s permit. The law is named after Eric Carpenter-Grantham, who, inspired by the conversation sparked by the murder of George Floyd, developed the idea of creating logos for people with invisible disabilities such as autism, mental health concerns, and hearing impairment.
These logos, once implemented, would be placed on various identification cards including driver licenses, college IDs, library cards, and other forms of identification. They would serve as a tool not only for identification purposes but also as a means of communication for the community to understand and interact with individuals who have invisible disabilities.
Hector Garcia’s support for this law stems from his personal connection to the cause. As a parent with a son who has a nonapparent disability, he believes that this bill provides a simple and voluntary way for individuals like his son to communicate their needs and challenges to law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and other service providers.
The +ADD Impact Network also stands behind this bill. Nonapparent disabilities, though not visible or obvious, can significantly impact a person’s behavior, communication, cognition, and emotional regulation. Individuals with nonapparent disabilities may face challenges in understanding instructions, expressing themselves, coping with stress, or managing their emotions. These challenges can often lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, or even dangerous situations, especially in high-pressure or unfamiliar scenarios.
By having an “ND” notation on their credential, individuals with nonapparent disabilities can inform others that they may require extra time, patience, or assistance in certain situations. This notation aims to prevent or reduce confusion, frustration, or escalation, promoting respect, safety, and dignity for all parties involved. It empowers people with nonapparent disabilities to advocate for themselves and access appropriate services and accommodations.
“This bill is a common-sense and compassionate measure that would benefit both people with nonapparent disabilities and the broader community,” Hector Garcia emphasizes. He urges lawmakers to vote in favor of this bill, recognizing the rights and needs of individuals with nonapparent disabilities.
Linda Carpenter-Grantham, Eric’s mother, also shares the urgency of passing this law. “My son Eric has autism, which is an invisible disability,” Linda explains. “If he were to be stopped by the police or law enforcement and they don’t know how to interact with him, that would be hugely concerning for his safety and for his life actually, and others like him.”
Eric Carpenter-Grantham, the inspiration behind the law, emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and safety. “Since George Floyd was killed in 2020, me and my mom had the talk about if I ever got stopped by the police,” Eric shares. “If so, in that situation, I would think about my friends who have invisible disabilities, like me, because all of our autism is different.”
Eric stresses the need for this law to protect himself, his friends, and others with invisible disabilities. “I am doing this ID to protect me and my friends and people like me, because we deserve a future and we deserve to live our lives just like everybody else,” Eric Carpenter-Grantham concludes.
Maryland State Senator Will C. Smith has also thrown his support behind the law, agreeing to write the bill for Eric’s ID Law. This collaborative effort is a step towards a more inclusive and understanding society, where the rights and needs of all individuals, including those with invisible disabilities, are recognized and respected.
