The Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint celebrates our fifth anniversary on Tuesday, March 26th. As part of the celebration, we asked a few of our volunteers to share their stories about how they became involved with AASR. Be sure to join our special live event on March 26th at 3:30 (ET). Also, please consider donating to our fifth-anniversary fundraiser so we can continue this vital work.
Meeting Guy Stephens, the founder and Executive Director of Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR), provided a lifeline during an incredibly challenging phase in my career. Despite successfully eliminating the use of restraint and seclusion in the behavior program I was teaching, I encountered significant resistance to a systemic shift and faced intense targeted retaliation from my administrator. It was a dark time, and Guy became a beacon of light. Having someone who shared my belief that restraint and seclusion cause immense emotional trauma to children was invaluable. Guy spoke the same language, offering advice and support when I needed it most.
While I understood that aligning myself during uncertain times in my position was risky, I couldn’t compromise my moral stance. The incident that marked a turning point for me was using restraint on a student at the direction of that administrator, betraying the trust I had painstakingly earned. The impact of that moment, reflected in the student’s face, was unforgettable and transformative. I realized restraint is not “just an ugly part of the job that is necessary,” a belief I held for a long time, but one that I now recognize as profoundly misguided. I’ve come to understand the effectiveness of alternative approaches, and building relationships is at the core. The restraint incident impacted the relationship I had built with that student, and I made a solemn vow to never compromise my commitment to students, even if it comes at a professional cost.
Being part of this movement has introduced me to remarkable individuals from whom I’ve learned, and I hope that sharing my experience has contributed in some small way. I feel honored to be part of Guy’s mission, witnessing real systemic change that inspires me to persevere.
