H.R. 4247, the Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act is going to be marked up by the House Education and Labor Committee this coming Thursday. In order to avoid amendments to the legislation that could potentially weaken the bill’s ability to protect students, it is important we send a clear message to Congress to pass H.R. 4247 and to keep it strong.
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), in conjunction with the Alliance to Prevent Restraint, Aversive Interventions and Seclusion (APRAIS), is asking you to join us in a National Call-In Day on Thursday, January 21st, 2010 to tell your members of Congress to support the Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act (H.R. 4247/S.2860).
Action Needed to Protect Child: An 11-year old Autistic boy in Arkansas named Zakhqurey Price is currently being charged with felony assault after fighting back when two staff members restrained him in response to behavioral challenges. The school has ignored repeated efforts from Zakh’s grandmother over the course of the last five months to obtain needed IEP supports to improve his educational options and manage his behavioral difficulties.
Ad Boycott Urged: With the support of other disability rights organizations, ASAN has issued an Action Alert urging those outraged by Michael Savage’s hateful remarks to contact the sponsors of Talk Radio Networks and the Savage Nation.
Autistic Student Shunned: A 5 year-old autistic kindergartener in Port St. Lucie, Florida was voted out of class by his peers at the teacher’s instigation. Contact the school district to voice your concerns.
ACTION ALERT: Nathan Darnell, a six-year old autistic student at Taylor Elementary School in Bracken County, Kentucky, has been charged with fourth-degree assault for pushing a school aide. While we typically avoid getting involved in judicial proceedings, it is our feeling that the overreaction is so egregious as to require activism by the wider disability community.
