Mechanical Retstraint?

Question

I found out today from my son's ABA therapist that when she went to observe him in school (autism - age 3.5) she saw that he was belted in to a rifton chair for much of the day...including when he was 1:1 with speech therapist. I was livid of course and called DPI who was equally upset and phoned the district head of Sp.E. I am pulling him out now until they meet my prior request for a 1:1. I will also be asking for a new placement. He is such a sweet little guy and no one would ever even approve of such restraints. Has anyone ever been through this? What have your experiences been?

Answer 1

I teach children with Developmental Delays in Oklahoma. I have a few students who can concentrate better on tasks when they do not have to use some of their concentration on staying seated. Some of these students will ask/point to our positioning chair (like a low high chair w/ a tray and velcro straps) to do table work or other tasks that require a lot of concentration such as, fine motor and language/artic.  These children will often calm immediately and be able to do tasks that they cannot perform without restraint. Of course, the restraint should not be miss used. The child needs time to play and interact with peers. Snack time is usually motivating in itself and does not require much concentration. When used appropriately restraint can be a helpful tool for the child.

Answer 2

you need to make your request is in writing both your own handwriting and typed up make sure it is kept on file at school and that you keep copies on the copies you keep make sure that the signatures of the Principal, and teachers and the whole IEP team are on there for legal rep try this site if you havn't already www.doj.state.wi.us

Answer 3

This makes me literally, physically, ill! I totally agree with you..I would get my child out of that school ASAP. I would then call and verbally and in writing, ask your school's superintendent for an IEP mtg AND a mediator. The Mediator is there to resolve issues that cannot be settled between the parent and school personnel. The school system legally MUST legally provide a mediator, unbiased (cannot be employed by the school system) and at THEIR expense.

If you do not know any other parents of special needs children who can recommend an attorney, look in the yellow pages. Sue the h**l out of the school system. Many attorneys will not ask for money unless they win and this is a no brainer. It is a clear cut case of abuse. DO NOT back down!! Do NOT let the school system get away with this. Be your child's advocate and the children who will come after him. GO GET EM!!!!!!

Answer 4

First of all, Rifton chairs are NOT to be used for restraint, ever. They are for physical support.

You may or may not get a 1:1 assistant for your child. It is up to the IEP team. Call for an IEP meeting immediately. Before you go, go online to the Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities website. See if they can help you find an advocate in your area. This is a much cheaper way to go than getting a lawyer.

You should have received a "Parent's Rights" handbook at your IEP meeting. If you didn't get one. It gives you a procedure to follow if you don't agree with the IEP team decision.

Before the IEP, you need to collect evidence for why your son needs a 1:1. Be prepared. Schools are reluctant to provide 1:1, especially in Pre-K. They usually put aides in the room to help with individual kids.

Before you take on this battle, consider that he might do fine in another classroom. It could be that this particular teacher is ignorant and ineffective and that a skilled teacher might able to work with him more appropriately. Ask to observe in other classrooms to see if more effective strategies are in place. Also look at the class size and adult to child ratios.