Physical Restraint
OVERVIEW
This is the 3rd of 3 videos in our short series on Physical Restraints, in collaboration with ARCH Disability Law Centre.
This video offers practical guidance for students and families responding to an incident of physical restraint.
You will learn:
what questions to ask
what information to document
how to raise concerns if a restraint was used on a student
the importance of written records, advocacy, and working toward safer approaches that prevent future harm
You can find the transcription for this video here (including visual descriptions for the video).
Refer to our glossary if you’re having trouble understanding any of the terms in this series.
How can I advocate for myself or my child who has been physically restrained?
If a student with disabilities has experienced physical restraint, consider the following:
Consider if the student has a behavioral or safety plan that includes the use of physical restraints? If the plan does have the school using physical restraints, consult with the school to discuss when restraint may occur, what preventative strategies are available to avoid restraint, and if it can be removed from the plan.
Keep written documentation of the incident, including who you spoke with, witnesses, reasons for the restraint, injuries, and how you were notified.
Provide a written letter to the school outlining your reasons for why the use of physical restraint was inappropriate.
*Note: If a student has experienced the use of physical restraint while at school, consider consulting ARCH Disability Law Centre for assistance. Every physical restraint event is individualized, so it is best to get advice about your specific situation.