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My AASR Story: Val Luther
I first came across the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint through a post shared by Dr. Mona Delahooke online. I had just devoured her book Beyond Behaviors and was eager to continue learning from her on social media. I purchased the book in hopes of finding new ways to support and advocate for my neurodivergent…
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What My File Didn’t Say
When my caregivers harmed me, I felt like parts of me were dying. At the same time, something was growing inside of me, preparing to break down walls. I’m glad I have survived my exposure to the system despite the permanent damage it did to me. I am one of the lucky ones. I want…
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Disabilities and Disparities: Why disabled students are disproportionately impacted by restraint and seclusion
Like many other harmful practices, restraint and seclusion in schools are not experienced equally by all students. Students with disabilities, Black and brown students, boys, and young children are disproportionately impacted by restraint and seclusion in schools. In this article, I will focus on the impacts on students with disabilities.
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It’s About Helping Children and Youth, Not Controlling Them
I have this thought floating in, what I lovingly refer to as the abyss of my mind, that I cannot seem to escape. Jobs like social work, teaching, nursing, and other jobs that carry the label of a helping profession attract different kinds of people. On one side of the helping profession are those who…
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Finding My Place in the World
In the intricate fabric of who I am, there’s no room for the notion of laziness. Anyone who’s crossed paths with me would never toss around that label or anything hinting at idleness. Opinions about me are a mixed bag—from silky-straight locks to sheep-like tendrils, from being a chatterbox to moments of quiet reflection. Kindness…
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Dear Jordan School District – Be Proactive
We received no response from the Jodan School District to our initial letter, which was sent on November 27th, 2023. The Board President did, however, respond to a letter sent by a parent, which we were copied on. In the letter, the Board President told the parent that the Jordan School District follows state law and…
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Impact of Seclusion and Restraint on Post High School Outcomes
As an attorney practicing in the areas of education and discrimination, seclusion and restraint in schools are a particularly concerning problem. Data suggests that these tactics are often used in a discriminatory manner and negatively impact students’ legal right to access the educational environment. For these reasons, I have been searching for information on the…
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Who Do You Need To Hear It From Before You Believe It?
As parents, no matter what the situation, we are supposed to be advocates for our children. That’s a given. One phrase I hear often from professionals – I refer to any school staff, social workers, physicians, etc. as “professionals” – is “You know your child best.” But is that just a saying, or does that…
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Support SB 483 Banning Dangerous Restraint Technique on Students
It is time to ban prone restraint in schools in California. SB 483 would prohibit the use of “prone restraint,” which physically or mechanically restrains students in a face-down position. We need your help to keep this legislation moving. The first stop is the Senate Education Committee. Please consider sending a letter to members of…
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A Time for Understanding and Support: Emotional Regulation and the Holidays
I don’t remember when it began to annoy me. Perhaps it was seeing one too many videos of a child opening a present only to be disappointed by its contents while the adults in the room laughed. Or maybe it was going to the comment section of those videos and seeing a slew of comments…
