Category: Advocacy
-
Loudoun County Public Schools Bans the use of Seclusion
Great news! Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia recently voted to revise their policy related to the use of restraint and seclusion. On February 25th the board of education met to vote on on a policy update (meeting). The Loudoun County School Board voted to update its restraint and seclusion policy, and will no longer…
-
Every Student, Every Day, Well Except Maybe Today
A good example of this is the new playground my children’s school wants to build for their pre-k through 2nd-grade kids. The school has at least four children in wheelchairs. I have been trying to convince other parents to build a playground that is fully inclusive and accessible for all children to play on together.…
-
Loudoun County Public Schools it is Time to End the use of Seclusion
I am writing to you regarding your consideration of the seclusion and restraint policy in Loudoun County Public Schools. We commend your board for reviewing your current policy on restraint and seclusion. As you consider updates, we strongly urge you to prohibit the use of seclusion entirely and significantly limit the use of physical restraint.
-
Informal Removals Can Violate Federal Civil Rights Protections and Don’t Help Children
My child was informally removed from public school in 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade. Each time, the decisions came from increasingly powerful school officials: initially, a school counselor, then the school principal, and eventually the head of special education. Initially, our concerns were for their mental health. However, formal removals in 9th grade…
-
A Letter to Ellsworth School District
What follows is a letter we sent to the Superintendent and Board of Education for the Ellsworth School District in Maine. When community members share concerns related to the use of restraint and seclusion use in a school district we are always happy to reach out to see if we can help. That was the…
-
Comments on the Mandatory Civil Rights Data Collection (ED-2024-SCC-0128)
The Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR) is grateful for the opportunity to respond to the request for information regarding mandatory civil rights data collection (ED-2024-SCC-0128). AASR is a national nonprofit organization and a community of over 30,000 parents, caregivers, self-advocates, educators, related professionals, and others working together to influence change in supporting children whose…
-
Convince Your Supervisor that You Should Complete Our New Course “Restraint and Seclusion in Schools”
Would you like to complete our new online training course “Restraint and Seclusion in Schools: What Educators, Administrators, and Related Professionals Need to Know” but need to convince your supervisor? We’ve got you covered! Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint volunteer Trisha Thompson drafted a letter to help you convince whoever might need convincing.
-
Accommodations Prepare Children for The Real World
October 2023 was very different from October 2024. My children were enrolled in public school in a small town in Connecticut, and we were all feeling miserable. My oldest son, Frankie, was in second grade and struggling tremendously. We had yet to have an IEP meeting after nearly two months of school. His anxiety was…
-
Changing The Things We Can: Collaborating Toward Common Goals
must admit that as an advocate, I have a hard time accepting things I cannot change. Whether foolish or not, I believe that we can change almost anything with enough effort, hard work, and determination. We often have far more power to change things than we think. That said, change is not easy and takes…
-
The Impact of Punitive Discipline on Students with Cerebral Palsy
Students with cerebral palsy (CP) face unique challenges in the educational environment. Unfortunately, these challenges often extend beyond their physical and cognitive limitations to include disproportionate disciplinary measures. Punitive discipline, such as suspensions and expulsions, can have lasting adverse effects on these students. Understanding the impact and advocating for more inclusive approaches is crucial.