Image by Getty Images via Daylife
The Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives approved a bill limiting the use of seclusion and restraints on students. Here is the official release. The official name of the bill is H.R. 4247. Here is website with additional resources concerning the bill. An article in Disability Scoop also discusses the legislation
Among other things, the bill limits the use of these techniques to cases of imminent danger; requires that staff using these techniques be properly trained; outlaws mechanical restraints; requires parental notification and establishes oversight mechanisms.
The legislative effort follows the GAO report last spring that detailed a ton of abuses of school children, most of whom were children with disabilities. The GAO study followed a similar report by the National Disability Rights Network entitled "School is Not Supposed to Hurt."
The bill now moves to the full House for a vote. If you care about this issue, please call or write or email your Representative in the House. This website will help you find and contact your Congressperson.
