When Disability Is Misread: Safety in High-Stress Systems

Imagine you process information more slowly, avoid eye contact when overwhelmed, or shut down under stress. Now imagine being confronted by law enforcement during a large-scale enforcement operation like Operation Metro Surge here in Minnesota.

What might be interpreted as defiance could simply be disability.

This session examines that moment, when behavior is interpreted quickly and often incorrectly. We will explore practical tools and community-informed strategies that help people with disabilities prepare, communicate clearly, and reduce risk in high-stress encounters. You will leave with concrete ideas you can apply in design, policy, and real-world interactions.

If you care about accessibility, dignity, and real human impact, join the conversation.

• All levels
• Wildcard
• Soft Skills
• Community