The Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR) was formed to raise awareness about the use of aversive discipline practices, including restraint, seclusion, suspension, expulsion, and corporal punishment. The mission of the AASR is to inform changes in policy and practice to reduce and eliminate the use of punitive discipline and outdated behavioral management approaches and end the school-to-prison pipeline. These practices disproportionately impact children with disabilities, Black and brown children, and boys. Not only are these practices ineffective, but they can also lead to significant trauma, injury, and even death. There are better ways to work with all children and educate them in the classrooms across our nation. This is a serious issue, a civil rights issue, and a human rights issue.
Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint, Inc. is a Maryland nonprofit corporation operating through a fiscal sponsorship with Players Philanthropy Fund, a Maryland charitable trust recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Federal Tax ID: 27-6601178). Contributions to Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint, Inc. are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
AASR is a small dedicated volunteer group of parents, advocates, and educators. We are always looking for others to share their stories and help raise awareness on the issue.
Community Standards
The AASR social media platforms are intended to support a community that is interested in impacting positive change related to the use of restraint and seclusion in schools and supporting our mission, vision, and values. We recognize that our community is diverse and includes parents, teachers, related professionals, administrators, self-advocates, attorneys, professional advocates, and others.
Our Team
We are a small but fierce team of parents, advocates, educators, and others working to effect change, but we have a lot of work ahead of us. Our work would not be possible without the help of our amazing volunteers. Our volunteer team is dedicated to reducing and eliminating the use of restraint and seclusion in schools across the world.
Our Mission
Restraint and seclusion, outdated crisis management techniques that are commonly used in schools across the nation and beyond, are disproportionately used on disabled and minority children. These interventions are dangerous and can lead to significant trauma and injuries to students, teachers, and staff. Some children have even died as a result of the use of restraint and seclusion.
Our Affiliates
Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint affiliate groups are state, provincial, and local advocacy organizations that share our core values, philosophy, and policy positions. While not part of the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint in structure or governance, affiliate groups are highly aligned.
In the News
The Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint is often cited in the media. Below are stories where our work has been mentioned. We are happy to provide background information and participate in interviews related to the use of restraint and seclusion.
Contact Us
If you’d like to touch base with us, please use the contact form linked below. We will make an effort to get back to you shortly, in 72 hours in most cases.