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The Records They Wouldn’t Release — and the Mother They Jailed

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The case of Giselle Smiel highlights significant issues of transparency and jurisdictional failures in California’s justice system. After a May 2025 incident involving alleged child abduction, Smiel faced six felony charges despite having no criminal history. Denied access to public records and effective legal representation, she remains in jail, raising concerns over systemic accountability and due process.

The Records They Wouldn’t Release — and the Mother They Jailed Read More
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Maryland Family Courts vs. Invisible Disabilities: Rights Denied, Families Punished

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In Maryland, family courts often fail to protect children and uphold parental rights, exploiting invisible disabilities like ADHD and PTSD to unjustly strip parents of custody. Accommodation requests are frequently denied, leading to stigmatization and systemic bias. The need for reforms and accountability is urgent, as families suffer without proper support.

Maryland Family Courts vs. Invisible Disabilities: Rights Denied, Families Punished Read More
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Maryland’s ADA Mirage: Rhetoric, Red Tape, and the Quiet Punishment of Invisible Disabilities

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Maryland’s political rhetoric emphasizes equity and inclusion but often fails to deliver for families with invisible disabilities. Delays, excessive documentation, and systemic skepticism hinder access to necessary accommodations in education and court settings. Despite awareness of the issues, accountability remains elusive, leaving families to struggle for support amidst bureaucratic barriers.

Maryland’s ADA Mirage: Rhetoric, Red Tape, and the Quiet Punishment of Invisible Disabilities Read More
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Justice Denied: Why New York Must Answer for Marc Fishman

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

A disabled father, Marc Fishman, faces wrongful imprisonment in New York despite clear evidence of his innocence, including admission from the arresting officer, Officer Schlesinger, later identified as corrupt. The prosecution disregards ethical obligations and fails to provide necessary accommodations. Marc’s story underscores systemic injustices threatening all citizens’ rights.

Justice Denied: Why New York Must Answer for Marc Fishman Read More
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The ADA in State Courts: A Promise Betrayed for Americans with Invisible Disabilities

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

The Americans with Disabilities Act aimed to ensure accessibility for all, yet invisible disabilities remain largely unrecognized in courts, with inadequate staff training and compliance. This neglect leads to severe injustices, reflecting systemic bias. Court reforms are necessary, including appointing ADA coordinators, enforcing accountability, and enhancing digital accessibility, to uphold true justice.

The ADA in State Courts: A Promise Betrayed for Americans with Invisible Disabilities Read More
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Title II ADA and the Invisible Disabilities America Keeps Ignoring

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

When most people think of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they picture wheelchair ramps, parking spaces, and elevators. But what about the disabilities you can’t see? Anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, …

Title II ADA and the Invisible Disabilities America Keeps Ignoring Read More
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New York’s Shame: The State Hunts Marc Fishman While Ignoring Real Justice

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In New York, Marc Fishman, a disabled father, endures a legal nightmare due to false accusations and judicial misconduct, facing a 45-day jail sentence despite exculpatory evidence. His appeals are delayed amid a lack of gubernatorial intervention, highlighting systemic failures and the abuse of power within the judicial system. Fishman’s plight reflects broader issues of injustice affecting vulnerable citizens.

New York’s Shame: The State Hunts Marc Fishman While Ignoring Real Justice Read More
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They Locked Her Down, Then Shut Her Up: How San Diego Jails Punish Disabled Survivors

- by Michael Phillips - 2 Comments.

Giselle Smiel, a survivor of domestic violence, faced significant barriers to ADA Title II accommodations during her detention. Despite multiple requests, she lacked effective communication supports and experienced retaliation. The case highlights systemic failures in recognizing invisible disabilities and ensuring compliance, ultimately underscoring the need for accountability in custody settings.

They Locked Her Down, Then Shut Her Up: How San Diego Jails Punish Disabled Survivors Read More
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How Do You Jail the Disabled Dad While the System Walks Free?

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

Marc Fishman, a Bronx disability rights advocate, faces a 45-day jail sentence tied to a convoluted legal battle with Westchester authorities, including wrongful arrest during supervised visitation with his son. His case raises concerns over due process, ADA violations, and judicial accountability, drawing national attention amid calls for emergency intervention before imprisonment.

How Do You Jail the Disabled Dad While the System Walks Free? Read More
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Disability Discrimination and Cover-Ups: Westchester DA Joyce Miller’s Assault on Justice

- by Michael Phillips - Leave a Comment

In Westchester County, District Attorney Joyce Miller’s push for a five-year order of protection against Marc Fishman ignores exculpatory evidence and discriminates against disabled parents. Fishman claims this institutional abuse has caused unnecessary separation from his children, prompting a federal lawsuit to challenge the misconduct and advocate for accountability.

Disability Discrimination and Cover-Ups: Westchester DA Joyce Miller’s Assault on Justice Read More