Advocates Team Up to Prohibit Practice of Restraint and Seclusion in Schools

Leading organizations and families participate in State Board of Education public hearing to push for new Rule

WHAT:

A coalition of organizations and families will participate in a public hearing and following press event to urge the State Board of Education to pass and strengthen the proposed Rule 160-5-1-.35 that will limit the dangerous practices of restraint and seclusion in public schools.

The Georgia Advocacy Office (GAO), Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), Center for Leadership in Disability at Georgia State University, Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia and Parent to Parent of Georgia will unite with concerned parents to encourage the Board of Education to revise the Rule to include more accountability and training for positive approaches to dealing with challenging behaviors.

WHY:

A 2009 report by the National Disability Rights Network stated that 41 percent of states and territories have no laws, policies or guidelines concerning restraint or seclusion use in schools. Currently, students in Georgia can be restrained or secluded for any reason, in any way, at any time. There are no regulations or safeguards in place that might have prevented the tragic death of 13-year-old Jonathon King, who committed suicide after being placed in seclusion at his Gainesville school.

WHO:

Ruby Moore, executive director, GAO
Eric E. Jacobson, executive director, GCDD
Don and Tina King, parents of Jonathan King
Families who have children in Georgia’s public schools

WHEN/WHERE:

WED., JUNE 9, 2010
1:00 – 2:00 P.M . PUBLIC HEARING
2:15 – 2:45 P.M.PRESS EVENT

State Board of Education
205 Jesse Hill Junior Drive Southeast, Atlanta

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

Interviews will be granted immediately after the 2:15 p.m. press event.
(Will add exact location upon confirmation.)

CONTACT:

Valerie Meadows Suber, Public Information Director
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
404-657-2122 (office); 404-226-0343 (mobile)
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