State Outlaws Restraint, Isolation for Special Needs Students

Schools in Michigan are no longer allowed to physically restrain or isolate special needs students. Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley signed a series of bills yesterday that outlawed such practices. Restraint and seclusion may now only be used if a student represents an imminent threat to him or herself, or to others. Calley was joined by 300 special education advocates from around the state, and by some students who have been on the receiving end of such practices. 15-year-old David Plude of Harrisville told the Detroit News that he has been restrained, and isolated in rooms with the doors tied shut so he couldn’t get out. David is autistic. The bills resulted from recommendations of Gov. Rick Snyder’s Special Education Reform Task Force. Calley, who has an autistic daughter, chaired the bipartison panel.