Fw: The Arc Action Alert: Oppose Restraint and Seclusion

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From: McKiernan

Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 11:31 AM

To: Martha Moyer

Subject: The Arc Action Alert: Oppose Restraint and Seclusion

Oppose Restraint and Seclusion

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On July 12, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee will be holding a hearing to consider the use of seclusion and restraint (S/R) in classrooms across the country. This hearing could lead to the first-ever federal rules governing the practices of S/R in the classroom. We ask that you contact your Senators today and ask them to co-sponsor S. 2020, the Keeping All Students Safe Act, which will end the practice of using S/R in non-emergencies. The practice of S/R is frequently used on students with disabilities. While evidence shows that S/R does not work, the practice is used too commonly for non-emergency situations. Student with disabilities are frequently restrained and secluded for failing to do class work, tearing paper, manifestations of their disabilities (e.g. being unable to communicate or pay attention), pushing items off desks, convenience, discipline, punishment, and similar non-emergency situations.The Government Accountability Office has documented the case of a New York child secluded 75 times in 6 months for whistling, slouching, and hand waving. The staff held the door shut; the child's hands blistered as he tried to escape. In a Colorado case, the school district allegedly restrained a child with intellectual disabilities and hyperactivity for manifestations of her disability (including making noise in the classroom, not being able to sit still, not being able to stay on task, and not being able to pay attention) according to the federal court filings.Please contact your Senators today and encourage them to oppose the use of seclusion and restraint by co-sponsoring the Keeping All Students Safe Act. Talking Points on Keeping All Students Safe Act:

Please co-sponsor S.2020, The Keeping All Students Safe Act. This bill will end the practice of using restraint and seclusion for convenience or punishment. Students with disabilities are frequently subject to seclusion and restraint. This bill promotes a shift toward preventing problematic behavior through the use of de-escalation techniques, conflict management and evidence-based positive behavioral interventions and supports. This shift will help school personnel understand the needs of their students and safely address the source of challenging behaviors – a better result for everyone in the classroom. The use of positive supports and interventions greatly diminishes and even eliminates the need to use restraint and seclusion.

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