Advocacy & Disability Rights
Our Vice President & Director of Community Outreach, Tiffany Klauba - has extensive experience with advocacy and disability rights. Tiffany has trained law enforcement on Autism, trained the Idaho Public Defenders on Autism and ADA rights according to the Federal Disability Rights Act as well as presented on the Criminal Defense panel at the Disability Policy Seminar held in Washington, D.C. in April of 2024.
Tiffany is actively working to provide ADA advocacy to multiple neurodiverse individuals and families in Idaho and is currently working with legislators to make much needed changes to Idaho law.
Lyla’s House Initiatives
Mandated Law Enforcement Training
Currently, Idaho law does not recognize any medical diagnosis in the prosecution of individuals. Regardless of its relevance to the case, this information cannot be used in the defense against a crime.
This means that individuals with developmental disabilities are prosecuted and incarcerated in the same manner as neurotypical individuals.
For instance, Idaho does not recognize the insanity plea. If an individual pleads mental illness, they will be sent to a mental institution until deemed "well," after which they will be tried for their pending charges. While this may be appropriate for some, it is not suitable for individuals with well-documented, physician-diagnosed disabilities that have caused lifelong difficulties. Many individuals with developmental disabilities do not understand legal age—specifically, that 18 is the threshold for being charged as an adult—especially when they relate better to younger individuals of the same cognitive age.
Recognition of Developmental Disabilities in Criminal Proceedings
We are actively advocating for mandatory Autism and Developmental Disability training for all law enforcement officers before they receive their badges and begin public service. This training is crucial because many autistic individuals feel uneasy around law enforcement due to their intimidating presence. This discomfort can result in behaviors such as fleeing, stimming (repetitive movements), avoiding eye contact, and difficulties in communication (either non-verbal or otherwise).
Without proper understanding and training, these behaviors can lead to unfavorable interactions, and, unfortunately, potentially result in injury or even death for either the law enforcement personnel or the autistic individual.
Adult Diversion Program as an Alternative to Incarceration
We are actively reaching out to legislators, law enforcement, courts, public defenders, and attorneys throughout Idaho to gain support for an Adult Diversion Program. This program is being developed as an alternative to incarceration.
Why is this important? Currently, Idaho does not consider any medical diagnosis when prosecuting individuals. This means that if someone is an adult physically but functions cognitively as a minor, they are charged, convicted, and incarcerated as an adult. This practice puts these individuals at extreme risk, making them vulnerable to victimization and even death.
Our Adult Diversion Program aims to provide appropriate therapies and corrective action plans for these individuals, benefiting not only them but the public as well.