“Every child in the state of Washington should be able to go to school every day without fear of being harmed,” - State Rep. Gerry Pollet said. “The unfortunate reality is that too many students in special education programs fear having their behavior corrected with the use of restraints and isolation. We can do better. An education plan should emphasize positive interventions that are proven to work.”
SHB 1240 passed 68-29 with bipartisan support.
This bill would end the planned use of restraint and isolation as a part of the individualized education plans for students with disabilities, in addition it would protect students from restraint and isolation except in very limited instances where there's imminent risk of harm.
SHB 1240 passed Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee unanimously last week. We now urge ALL senators to VOTE YES on SHB 1240. Please take a few minutes to call YOUR senator. You can find their contact information here.
If you're looking for what to say try:
If you’re looking for what to say, consider:
“Hello, my name is (____________). I’m a parent of a child with autism. Regulating seclusion and restraints of students is very important to me and my family. This issue is also a priority for Washington State PTA. I am asking you to please consider supporting this bill. Thank you very much.”
Please be polite, ask the legislative aide to let you know after your senator has agreed to vote in support of SHB 1240. If the person on the phone asks questions you don’t have an answer to, please refer them to Ben Buccholz (509) 303-9585 or Arzu Forough (425)590-7231.
Thank you for standing together with us for change.
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