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Major Recent Events
Keeping All Students Safe Act Reintroduced
On November 19, the Keeping All Students Safe Act was reintroduced in the House and Senate. The bill is sponsored by Representative Don Beyer (D-VA); Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT); House Committee on Education and Labor Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA); Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Patty Murray (D-WA); and Representative Donald McEachin (D-VA).
This bill would prohibit physical restraint that is life-threatening or restricts breathing, mechanical restraint, chemical restraint, and seclusion in schools that receive federal funding. Physical restraint would only be allowed when a student’s behavior poses an imminent danger to self or others. The bill also requires states to ensure schools have appropriately trained personnel and prohibits individualized education programs or behavior intervention plans from including provisions allowing the use of restraint or seclusion, among other provisions. See the bill text here, the fact sheet here, and the press release here.
The Arc strongly supports this legislation.
Announcements
Education Department Unveils COVID Relief Spending Portal
On November 20, the Department of Education launched an online portal showing the amounts of CARES Act funding awarded and spent by state education agencies, school districts, and institutions of higher education (IHE). The portal provides advocates information regarding the amount of funding that remains available for each school district or IHE. Find the portal here.
The Arc is fighting for the human and civil rights of people with I/DD and their right to live and be included in their communities. Our success depends on support from advocates like you. Donate today!
