Category: People
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Running for Cole
I have always had a passion for running. I don’t run fast, and I’m not breaking any records, but that doesn’t matter because running means so much more to me. Running is my release, a way for me to process my emotions and whatever is happening in my life at any given moment. I didn’t…
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Parallel Battles: Advocacy in Healthcare and Education for Vulnerable Populations
Every day as a nurse and mother of a child with a disability, I find myself navigating two very distinct worlds – one rooted in healthcare and the other in education, both, however, interconnected by a demanding commitment to advocacy. Through my experience as a nurse and my daughter’s experience within the public school system, I…
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Meet Volunteer Kenzie Joly
I am deeply committed to advancing educational equity through research, policy advocacy, and a nuanced understanding of how systemic factors influence student outcomes. My interest in joining the Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint stems from a passion for dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline and advocating for alternatives to punitive discipline—particularly for students with behavioral health needs…
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A Mother’s Appeal to Bloomingdale Public Schools Regarding the Use of Restraint and Seclusion
Nearly a year ago, I addressed this Board with significant concerns about the use of seclusion in our District. At that time, I specifically spoke about the practice of surrounding children with mats, enclosing them against a wall for unrestricted periods of time. During that time, I addressed Bloomingdale’s higher reporting of restraint and seclusion…
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Massachusetts it’s Time to Speak Out on Proposed Changes to Time-Out and Seclusion in Schools
Massachusetts is at a critical crossroads regarding the safety and dignity of its students, especially those with disabilities. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has released proposed amendments to regulations governing the use of time-out rooms and seclusion in both public and private special education settings. The public comment period is open until…
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Funding the Fight: AASR’s Urgent Need for Your Support
In the United States, thousands of children—particularly those with disabilities, Black and brown children, and boys—are subjected to harmful disciplinary practices in schools. Restraint, seclusion, suspension, expulsion, and corporal punishment are not only ineffective but also cause severe trauma, injury, and, in some cases, even death. The Alliance Against Seclusion and Restraint (AASR) is working…
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A Space So Full of Light
Several years ago, I heard Brené Brown share a story about her son, who was struggling with friendship lessons. She encouraged him to surround himself with people who would celebrate him when he was shining brightly—not those who would blow out his candle to make theirs appear brighter. While I wouldn’t call myself a Brené…
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“I’m Stupid; My Brain is Wrong”: How Broken Systems Harm Children and Families
“I’m stupid; my brain is wrong, and the only way to fix it is to die.” How many parents have heard these words from a neurodivergent child? How does one respond? “I wish I could die and come back with a new brain.” How many parents have ever felt this way about themselves because of…
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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…
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Convince Your Supervisor that You Should Attend our Supporting All Brains Conference
Would you like to attend our upcoming Supporting All Brains conference 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.