The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network has started a petition to send to members of the Florida Department of Education to promote change that will prevent and protect students, especially special needs students, from abuse through aversives, restraint and seclusions.

Currently, the Department of Education is prosposing regulations on the “Use of Reasonable Force” in the classroom. The regulations are not sufficient or appropriate for children and students of all ages and needs.

To sign the petition, please click here.

The National Autism Association (NAA) along with 12 other organizations launched a campaign this week to spur letter writing and raise awareness about dangerous restraint and seclusion practices in schools. For more information, click here to visit the blog for Families Against Restraint and Seclusion.

To download the letter and take action, visit www.nationalautism.org.

The law firm of Balkan & Patterson is an advocate for stopping restraint and seclusion in schools and protecting all students. For more information about us, please visit www.balkanpatterson.com.