Legislative Action Committee / February 2016

Type: Board Appointed

Focus Areas: Skilled Staff

Upcoming dates or events to share with general membership

The Legislative Action Committee (LAC) has continued to hone the MAASE position and input on draft legislation on seclusion and restraint.  With help from MAASE’s input and concerns we raised, the drafters removed the term ‘separation’ that appeared in early versions, and reinstated ‘seclusion,’ a term with which the field is familiar.  With the most recent draft, we continue to be most concerned about the proposed language and definition around ‘usual teaching environment.’

The most recent MAASE memo and redlined versions of draft legislation can be found on our wiki here:

http://maase.pbworks.com/w/page/70597734/MAASE%20Position%20and%20Input%20Statements

Hot Topics

Some Seclusion & Restraint Talking Points:

• We commend the Lieutenant Governor for taking time to gather input and recommendations from parents, students, and stakeholders statewide focused on ensuring all students with disabilities receive quality services that recognize and respect their unique potential, and we look forward to working together in the future.
• We agree that seclusion and restraint should only be utilized in emergencies when all other avenues are exhausted, but proposed definitions of “emergency situation” and “usual teaching environment” must be developed with care.
• The proposed creation of local “Human Rights Commissions” is unnecessary. Additionally, the concept raises concerns with respect to student privacy and the role of local Parent Advisory Committees (PACs).