Wednesday, April 18, 2012

                                                                                       
Shouldn’t School Be Safe?
It’s a simple question, yet each day, children with disabilities are at risk of restraint, seclusion and other aversive interventions that cause significant physical and emotional trauma. And while we continue to work toward federal legislation that would restrict these practices, there is something you can do to make a difference in your schools and communities. Join us for a four-part webinar series which is available for 24/7 access between April 4-May 4, 2012, and gain the tools, knowledge and resources needed to prevent and respond to restraint and seclusion, and become a powerful advocate for change!

Learn more at www.tash.org/webinar

This four-part series covers a number of important topics, each designed to equip parents, educators and advocates with the tools and know-how to put an end to restraint and seclusion in their schools and communities. Each session is available on its own or with the entire series. Read the full session descriptions at www.tash.org/webinar.

Shouldn’t School Be Safe? Preventing and Eliminating the Use of Aversives, Restraint and Seclusion | Pat Amos, a parent and an advocate for people with disabilities and their families for more than 25 years. She currently works as an Inclusion Specialist with the Youth Advocate Program’s Autism Institute.

The Business Case for Reducing Restraint and Seclusion Use | Janice Lebel, a licensed psychologist with more than 25 years experience in public mental health. She oversees Massachusetts’ $25 million system of inpatient and secure residential care for youth, and leads the Department of Mental Health’s Restraint/Seclusion Prevention Initiative.

How to Protect Students with Disabilities through Manifestation Determination | Barbara Ransom, who has more than 20 years experience as a plaintiff’s attorney in disability rights, including advocacy for students with disabilities and their rights to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

Understanding the Effects of Trauma on the Lives of those we serve: Developing Trauma Informed Systems of Care | Joan Gillece, director for the SAMHSA National Center for Trauma Informed Care, and SAMHSA Promoting Alternatives to Seclusion and Restraint through Trauma-Informed Practices. Joan has 30 years experience working in the behavioral health field. 

For those who want to do more ...

We know this is an important issue, that’s why we want to get the word out about this webinar to everyone we can. You can help. We’ve created a resource (download here) that contains a news brief (perfect for e-mails, letters and blogs), along with Facebook and Twitter messages. We’re also using the social hashtag #StopRS. Together we’ll ignite a grassroots movement to end restraint and seclusion!

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Learn more online at www.tash.org/webinar