Change for a Dollar for an Autistic Change-maker

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By Meg Raby

Romans 13:8 “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” 

 Terra Vance, head of the nonprofit Neuroclastic, a collective of Autistic writers and artists advocating for autistic representation and human rights, happens to be a dear friend of mine. She happens to love others well. 

 Since 2017, Terra has been instrumental in seeking justice for hundreds of Autistic folk who have been wrongfully convicted for crimes. Just last year, I had the pleasure of assisting her and serving as an expert witness on the Matthew Rushin case. Matthew is a 23 year old black Autistic male who was convicted of secondary manslaughter due solely to the fact that he engaged in what is known as echolalia, a common form of speech produced by Autistic folk in which the speaker immediately or with a delay repeats what they heard someone else say. In this instance, Matthew had said he was trying to kill himself which was something he had heard from an onlooker at the scene of the car wreck he was involved in.  The car wreck resulted in seriously injuring a man in his 60s. Matthew himself was injured and not given medical attention. It was later discovered the cause of the accident was a seizure. Because of many factors, Matthew ended up taking a plea under manipulation. This plea resulted in a sentencing of 50 years. 

 If it was not for Terra and her compassion, persistence and thousands of hours poured into this case, Matthew would still be behind bars today, but he is not. He is home! (It’s okay to squeal in excitement over this! I got to meet Matthew and his family a few weeks ago, and there was much squealing involved.)

Terra loves her fellow Autistic folk with such fervor. She gives herself daily, often sacrificing self care and paying a high emotional toll that has left her with various health issues--some that are life-threatening. She does all of this incredible work for free. Free. It doesn’t even make sense and reminds me completely of Jesus’s perfect and ever-pursuant love of us that he freely gives.

I told Terra I was going to try to raise some money for her with my Missio Dei family. Not a second passed and she said, “Meg, could you instead have them raise money for Champ Turner? He is low on money to make phone calls home.” Champ Turner is another Black Autistic man who was wrongly convicted of a felony and sits day-in and day-out in a jail cell, innocent. 

Terra herself is not a Jesus follower, but her life is brimming with who Jesus is, doing what Paul says in Ephesians 4:2, “Be completely humble and gentle; Be patient, bearing with one another in love.” She has and continues to pursue justice—to set things right—for a very vulnerable group of people. She loves so beautifully. It is with excitement that I would love to invite you to support her. To be Jesus to Terra whether that be through prayer or monetary means. She needs assistance in paying off lingering medical payments due to her deteriorating health and in order to send money directly to Champ Turner so he can call his family. Terra herself is not a Jesus follower, but her life is brimming with who Jesus is, doing what Paul says in Ephesians 4:2, “Be completely humble and gentle; Be patient, bearing with one another in love.” She has and continues to pursue justice—to set things right—for a very vulnerable group of people. She loves so beautifully. It is with excitement that I would love to invite you to support her. To be Jesus to Terra whether that be through prayer or monetary means. She needs assistance in paying off lingering medical payments due to her deteriorating health and in order to send money directly to Champ Turner so he can call his family. 

Meg Raby sits with Matthew Rushin at KultureCity Ball this recent August 21st, celebrating his pardon and paving the way to autism reform.