Our mission is to inform changes in policy and practice to reduce and eliminate the use of punitive discipline and outdated behavioral management approaches and end the school-to-prison pipeline.
About seclusion and restraint
Restraint and seclusion are crisis management strategies that are used in many schools across the nation and the world. Physical Restraint, is exactly what it sounds like, it is a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move his or her torso, arms, legs or head freely. Seclusion is the involuntary confinement of a student alone in a room or area from which the student is physically prevented from leaving. These interventions are dangerous and have led to serious injuries and even death in students, teachers and staff.
According to federal guidance restraint and/or seclusion should never be used except in situations where a child’s behavior poses an imminent danger of serious physical harm to self or others, and restraint and seclusion should be avoided to the greatest extent possible without endangering the safety of students and staff.
Latest Stories
Tell Nebraska Senators to “just say no” to LB811
The Arc of Nebraska is asking for help to stop a bad bill LB811. They are asking allies to take action ASAP to call Senators on the Education Committee and tell them not to vote LB 811, the Restraint Bill, out of Committee! This is another bad iteration of a bad bill. Despite amendments, it…
Time to End Seclusion in Connecticut Schools
Hearst Media has recently covered the issue of restraint and seclusion in Connecticut schools. Now legislation is being introduced in Connecticut that would prohibit the of seclusion of special education students and would update the rules around the use of restraint. Representative Theresa Wood and Representative Tiffany Bluemle introduced Bill 1200. The bill is set to have a…
Trauma Sharing Between Students and Educators
The nature of trauma causes considerable reactions in those who are directly experiencing it and those who are witness to its impact on children. The experience of those who are impacted by trauma is much different from those who are witnesses; however, there are more similarities than we think. Children are impacted more acutely as…
“People in the Physical Sense”: Historical Perspectives on the Restraint of Autistic Children in Public Schools
Ensuring safety in our schools has become a focus over the past few years, typically discussed in terms of external threats such as gun violence. However, for many special education students, it’s not active shooters or bomb threats they need to concern themselves with- it’s their teachers and therapists. In 2009, the congressional watchdog agency Government…
Support for House Bill 1479 in Washington State
Over the last several months, I have worked with many parents, educators, and advocates across Washington State who have committed to reducing and eliminating restraint and isolation. The bill before you is a strong piece of legislation that resulted from the collaboration of a diverse group of stakeholders. This bill is a step forward to…
Graphics
Sample Letters
Research
Follow AASR
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
