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The Invisible Exclusion in Our Education System
Our local news recently aired what appeared to be a heartwarming story: district leaders and our governor making celebratory calls to families whose children have excellent attendance. On the surface, it looked like positive engagement, a feel-good moment highlighting student success. What it did not address, however, are the very real systemic barriers fueling Oregon’s…
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Why ABA Can Never Be Trauma-Informed: Not now. Not ever.
Lately, I’ve seen more and more programs advertising something they call “trauma-informed ABA.” On the surface, it sounds hopeful. After all, who wouldn’t want therapies to be gentler, safer, and more humane for children who have already experienced adversity But here’s the reality: ABA can never be trauma-informed. No matter how many times it is…
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A Lever Long Enough: Changing Exclusionary Discipline Policies In North Carolina and Beyond
Love Our Children NC used this concept to change the short-term suspension policy in New Hanover County, North Carolina. The non-profit organization was co-founded by me and Veronica McLaurin-Brown in March 2021. We are dedicated to ending exclusionary discipline in our state. We are working to change harmful suspension and seclusion policies and statutes. We…
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Choice Doesn’t Fix It: Why PBIS Still Harms Kids
When I was a little girl, I didn’t speak until I was four years old. I remember the way adults looked at me—like I was broken, like my silence defined me. They didn’t see the potential bubbling beneath, only the ways I failed to fit the mold. That early experience taught me something I carry…
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Cultivating Inclusive Futures: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners Through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
Creating inclusive and supportive environments is essential for everyone. This is especially true for neurodivergent children, people with disabilities, and racial or ethnic minority communities who often face systemic barriers. This literature review explores how Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) principles are applied in education, healthcare, and community settings to make these environments more…
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A Call for Action: Pennsylvania Schools Need to Do More to Reduce the Use of Physical Restraint
Since 2020, Pennsylvania schools have seen a concerning increase in the use of physical restraints on students, particularly those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This trend raises significant safety concerns and highlights the urgent need to review and improve the current practices governing the use of restraints in educational settings.
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Call to Action: Stop the Shock It Is Time To Ban Shock Devices and Aversive “Therapies”
Massachusetts is on the verge of a historic decision that could end one of the most controversial and painful practices used against disabled individuals in the United States. The Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities will soon hold a hearing on House Bill H.245, which is legislation that would permanently ban the…
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When Advocacy Creates Ripples, it Becomes Waves – Let Your Voice Be One of Those Ripples!
When I first met Guy Stephens of the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint in the fall of 2019, I was a completely panicked mom, worried beyond belief for the safety of her child in the New Brunswick, Canada, school system after dealing with seclusion room incidents. I felt like I couldn’t trust anyone with my…
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A Letter to Beaverton School District Regarding the Use of Seclusion
We are reaching out after being contacted by a member of your school community who expressed serious concerns about the use of restraint and seclusion within the Beaverton School District, specifically at Hiteon Elementary School. The concerns brought to our attention center around the use of seclusion. Under Oregon law, seclusion is defined as the…
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My Journey: Heart-Strong International Changemakers for Children
This past week, I was very proud to receive my certificate in the Heart-Strong International Changemakers for Children course, taught by Sandi Lerman. Signing up, I already knew that anything Sandi and Heart-Strong International had put together was going to be amazing! AASR has a long-running relationship and collaboration with Sandi and Heart-Strong International, including…
