On Monday, a class of participants graduated from the program at the Akron Municipal Court building.
AKRON, Ohio — On Monday afternoon, diplomas were awarded to graduates of the Connect program in Akron, a program designed to support people in the criminal justice system who have developmental disabilities.
Started by Judge Ron Cable two years ago, the program provides an alternative path to the traditional criminal justice system for individuals with developmental disabilities, aiming to provide resources and learning opportunities.
Judge Cable said he was inspired to start the program after meeting a young man named James, who he said was exhibiting some aggressive behavior at his group home and had a few different charges in court.
“He (James) was sentenced by another judge, I believe, for at least a couple of days in the Summit County Jail,” Cable said. “I just met him and got to know him a little bit, and I felt that jail wasn’t the place for him, that there was a better solution.”
For Cable, this program hits close to home, as he has a son who has autism.
“He’s a great guy, still lives with us. He has a program here in Summit County, he swims for the Special Olympics team. We’re all just very proud of him,” he said. “But sometimes I wonder, if there was some kind of a problem and he didn’t understand something and he ended up being criminally charged, jail would not be a place for him.”
Through programming and regular sessions, Judge Cable is able to check in on participants in the Connect program to gauge their progress.
“People with developmental disabilities have a hard enough time achieving employment and day to day life, and even a minor misdemeanor, or even a misdemeanor criminal offense or conviction really, really does put them even further behind,” the judge said.
Twenty-five-year-old Bokeem Murray was in the mall last year when he tried on an inexpensive ring, and forgot to take it off before leaving the shop, according to his mom, Twila Murray.
“Security, you know, approached him or what not because it became a theft,” she said. “Even though he forgot, he still got this theft charge. We were sent here, to the Connect court, because of his autism.”
Twila said that ultimately, the year-long Connect program has helped her son.
“It has really helped him to come out of his shell,” she said. “He’s learned a lot of things, met friends.”
Bokeem especially enjoyed the trips to the zoo the program would take, as well as time for arts and crafts.
“I am so proud of him,” said Judge Cable of Bokeem. “Bo has done a wonderful job, he’s very friendly and he’s a good influence on the other participants in the program. He’s always just delightful to see.”
With the successful completion of the program, Judge Cable said Bokeem’s case will be dismissed, and his record will be clear.
“Respect the law, and stay on the right path,” Bokeem said, reflecting on the lessons he’s learned through the Connect program.
On Monday afternoon, Bokeem engaged in an art therapy session with other program participants, followed by a pizza party and a graduation ceremony. According to the Akron Municipal Court, there are about 20 participants in the program.
“I think it’s more like an achievement, trying to do something good with your life,” Bokeem said of what graduation means to him. “Make sure you don’t destroy your honor.”
As for what’s next for Bokeem? He said he looks forward to his job at a grocery store, and will continue working on his art.
More from Isabel Lawrence:
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
