children with disabilities abused in schools

[alien girl]

according to this article These inhumane discipline practices are still legal in U.S. schools a two year old baby with down syndrome was strapped to a chair, and a five year old stood naked in a closet.

restraining should only be used if a kid is a danger to himself or others, like attacking without provocation out of the blue, or suicidal putting himself in danger. only emergencies like this. surely you dont believe a two year old was a danger to anyone.

this is torture. do you think it should be legal?

 

[King_Oni]

So.. 2 year olds go to school nowadays? Where's the room to be a child here?

Anyway; should it be allowed? No... taking drastic measures is most likely a result of people not being qualified enough to deal with the situation. I mean; anyone can strap down a child, but it takes a lot more to actually reach out to that kid, calm him/her and defuse the situation in the most civil way possible.

Perhaps it would be better to teach these teachers how to deal with kids with disabilities better and in a more humane way.

But then again; how do we define torture? I can argue until we're all blue in the face what might and might not constitute torture.

Here's a personal story quite in line with this.

When I was about 9 years old I had a substitute teacher at school. I could get along really well with the teacher we usually had (it took a while to get along with him though, but still). So eventually, what happened is he approached me in a way that felt uncomfortable to me so I called him names. His response; "Go stand on the hallway and think about what you did!". This was around 10:30 just after out 15 minute recess break. At 12 we have an hour of recess here... and by the time it was noon, I left. I walked out of school. I knew an acquintance who lived in the area so I went there and phoned home (mind you, this was in the time before cellphones; and going home wasn't an option, since it was too far away). I told my dad what happened and what I did. And while I wasn't the most responsible kid in terms of just leaving, the teacher didn't really act properly either. So eventually, I got back to school when school was almost out around 3 in the afternoon with my mom. Apparently my mom called the principal to make sure I was safe and found, since eventually the teacher realized I was gone. At least it took some of the panic away.

My mom had a serious talk with the substitute which ended up in her calling him unfit for his job. Yeah, I never saw the guy again as a substitute again.

Moral of the story; learn how to deal with difficult kids in a proper way. He clearly wasn't schooled in working out a proper solution. Chances are, if he would've sent me to the principal, I at least would've been attended for in some way. I mean, a 9 year old unattended for more than an hour as a (poor excuse of) punishment; eventually they'll figure out what they can do. There are a dozen of other things one can think of that would've prevented what I did; if only he was aware of the responsibility he has as a teacher.

 

[dragonwolf]

this is torture. do you think it should be legal?

That question shouldn't even need to be asked.

I'd like to lock some of those teachers in a small, dark room and see how well they handle it.

 

[Stik]

I have a few things to say about this article and want to try and shed some light on this subject as I work as a special education paraprofessional (teacher's aide).

The little girl being locked in the closet was horrible and ignorant. On the other stories in the article ... I don't think the whole story was revealed in these situations, only the shocking parts. I agree that seclusion and restraint is probably misused way too much, the deaths clear that up, but that doesn't mean it's always a bad thing. That just means better training is a must which brings me to the next issue, money.

There's a belief that public school teachers are underpaid, which they are. So you can imagine how well the paraprofessionals are paid. This makes the job unappealing and makes it hard to fill those positions. It's very difficult to keep a classroom under control without enough help. Schools need help and don't have enough money to pay for higher qualified individuals. Every day I struggle with do I want to love my job or do I want to be able to pay my bills. So we're either too passionate about our jobs or under qualified. This right here causes too many problems to talk about. I feel I'm getting off subject.

Seclusion rooms or restraints can be necessary to save lives. For restraining there only a few acceptable positions and in my state it is not legal to be on the student. Peoples safety is affected a lot more than you would think from the students. I've gotten choked, heavy objects thrown at me, and my friend has been thrown across a table and chased down the halls.

My point is that sometimes unappealing practices are needed for others safety but should only be used properly. Also, before judging the teachers and staff in some of these situations maybe think about what could be causing these actions (like being understaffed and under qualified) and are you hearing the whole story? There are bad teachers out there, safety of the good teachers shouldn't lose their safety because of them. These teachers should be taken care of individually.

 

[KinksFan]

I don't feel that it should be allowed. There are better and more humane ways for those teachers to deal with those students.

 

[HisShadowX]

So.. 2 year olds go to school nowadays? Where's the room to be a child here?

Anyway; should it be allowed? No... taking drastic measures is most likely a result of people not being qualified enough to deal with the situation. I mean; anyone can strap down a child, but it takes a lot more to actually reach out to that kid, calm him/her and defuse the situation in the most civil way possible.

Perhaps it would be better to teach these teachers how to deal with kids with disabilities better and in a more humane way.

But then again; how do we define torture? I can argue until we're all blue in the face what might and might not constitute torture.

Here's a personal story quite in line with this.

When I was about 9 years old I had a substitute teacher at school. I could get along really well with the teacher we usually had (it took a while to get along with him though, but still). So eventually, what happened is he approached me in a way that felt uncomfortable to me so I called him names. His response; "Go stand on the hallway and think about what you did!". This was around 10:30 just after out 15 minute recess break. At 12 we have an hour of recess here... and by the time it was noon, I left. I walked out of school. I knew an acquintance who lived in the area so I went there and phoned home (mind you, this was in the time before cellphones; and going home wasn't an option, since it was too far away). I told my dad what happened and what I did. And while I wasn't the most responsible kid in terms of just leaving, the teacher didn't really act properly either. So eventually, I got back to school when school was almost out around 3 in the afternoon with my mom. Apparently my mom called the principal to make sure I was safe and found, since eventually the teacher realized I was gone. At least it took some of the panic away.

My mom had a serious talk with the substitute which ended up in her calling him unfit for his job. Yeah, I never saw the guy again as a substitute again.

Moral of the story; learn how to deal with difficult kids in a proper way. He clearly wasn't schooled in working out a proper solution. Chances are, if he would've sent me to the principal, I at least would've been attended for in some way. I mean, a 9 year old unattended for more than an hour as a (poor excuse of) punishment; eventually they'll figure out what they can do. There are a dozen of other things one can think of that would've prevented what I did; if only he was aware of the responsibility he has as a teacher.

Yes there are 24 hour schools or daycares for single mothers who use their kids as a way of getting free dental, free healthcare and free food.

 

[HisShadowX]

I was abused emotionally and verbally by all people the LD teacher. If you heard of our former governor of Illionis George Ryan you know he went to prison for the license for bribe scandal in which Mr Willis a teacher in Chicago was involved in an accident with one of those drivers and many of his children ended up dying.

He was going to be MY TEACHER the next years but the LD teacher who did not like me when he ended up leaving teaching sadly I got her she put me in the LD section of the class.

I'm tongue tied so even though I have a professional sounding voice now it's from years and years of honing it. So I can't say certain words or letters I talk with me teeth. She'd mock me in front of the class.

Tell me my hair is unkempt, that I smelled, I needed to brush my teeth more, she would hand me papers and drop them on the floor as I would reach my my hand to grab it and she'd have me pick it up.....

 

[Stik]

I don't feel that it should be allowed. There are better and more humane ways for those teachers to deal with those students.

We have to be certified to use seclusion and restraints. There's only one school that has seclusion rooms in the district and I honestly don't know what else can be done in certain situations. I do know that the door has to opened after a few minutes but if they charge at you violently you can shut the door for another few minutes. Anything longer would be illegal. So, I definitely agree that the stories you shared are awful. There are rules that need to be followed for everyone's safety. I'd love to hear your more humane ways. Maybe you have ideas that hasn't been thought of that can help.

I know someone in the district was fired for emotionally abusing a child. There's no tolerance for that when it's found. Restraints or not there are people out there that are definitely not right for the job.

 

[alien girl]

I have a few things to say about this article and want to try and shed some light on this subject as I work as a special education paraprofessional (teacher's aide).

The little girl being locked in the closet was horrible and ignorant. On the other stories in the article ... I don't think the whole story was revealed in these situations, only the shocking parts. I agree that seclusion and restraint is probably misused way too much, the deaths clear that up, but that doesn't mean it's always a bad thing. That just means better training is a must which brings me to the next issue, money.

There's a belief that public school teachers are underpaid, which they are. So you can imagine how well the paraprofessionals are paid. This makes the job unappealing and makes it hard to fill those positions. It's very difficult to keep a classroom under control without enough help. Schools need help and don't have enough money to pay for higher qualified individuals. Every day I struggle with do I want to love my job or do I want to be able to pay my bills. So we're either too passionate about our jobs or under qualified. This right here causes too many problems to talk about. I feel I'm getting off subject.

Seclusion rooms or restraints can be necessary to save lives. For restraining there only a few acceptable positions and in my state it is not legal to be on the student. Peoples safety is affected a lot more than you would think from the students. I've gotten choked, heavy objects thrown at me, and my friend has been thrown across a table and chased down the halls.

My point is that sometimes unappealing practices are needed for others safety but should only be used properly. Also, before judging the teachers and staff in some of these situations maybe think about what could be causing these actions (like being understaffed and under qualified) and are you hearing the whole story? There are bad teachers out there, safety of the good teachers shouldn't lose their safety because of them. These teachers should be taken care of individually.

if the kid is extremely violent, and it's not a toddler, more like a teen who's strong enough to cause harm, then i can understand it. but toddlers arent strong enough to be dangerous, and therefore there's no excuse to abuse them this way. and teens should never be locked up for simply disobeying or annoying, but for putting others at risk.

 

[alien girl]

I was abused emotionally and verbally by all people the LD teacher. If you heard of our former governor of Illionis George Ryan you know he went to prison for the license for bribe scandal in which Mr Willis a teacher in Chicago was involved in an accident with one of those drivers and many of his children ended up dying.

He was going to be MY TEACHER the next years but the LD teacher who did not like me when he ended up leaving teaching sadly I got her she put me in the LD section of the class.

I'm tongue tied so even though I have a professional sounding voice now it's from years and years of honing it. So I can't say certain words or letters I talk with me teeth. She'd mock me in front of the class.

Tell me my hair is unkempt, that I smelled, I needed to brush my teeth more, she would hand me papers and drop them on the floor as I would reach my my hand to grab it and she'd have me pick it up.....

this is absolutely aweful. anyone did this to my nieces, they would have to restrain me...

 

[Stik]

if the kid is extremely violent, and it's not a toddler, more like a teen who's strong enough to cause harm, then i can understand it. but toddlers arent strong enough to be dangerous, and therefore there's no excuse to abuse them this way. and teens should never be locked up for simply disobeying or annoying, but for putting others at risk.

I agree whole heartedly. I just hate it when people want to take these things away because someone isn't using it right. I feel like it's on the road to not even being able to touch someone. I don't think parents would like it too much if we couldn't protect their kids.

 

[ASD_Geek]

Absolutely horrible! This type of abuse has got to stop.

While in 8th grade, I was once locked in a bathroom for an hour by a teacher for being "disruptive". I had a cough and was thought to have a behavior issue. The teacher (from another class) took me forcefully by the arm, jerked me up and dragged me out of the class (mind you, I was not even resisting) to a nearby bathroom where he locked me in.

Ridiculous...

 

[HisShadowX]

Absolutely horrible! This type of abuse has got to stop.

While in 8th grade, I was once locked in a bathroom for an hour by a teacher for being "disruptive". I had a cough and was thought to have a behavior issue. The teacher (from another class) took me forcefully by the arm, jerked me up and dragged me out of the class (mind you, I was not even resisting) to a nearby bathroom where he locked me in.

Ridiculous...

When I first read your statement first thing to mind was that's to cruel to be true than I had a flash back to when I was in 1st grade and the teacher believed one of us messed ourselves so let children point at people and accusing everyone for the majority of boys had to go to the bathroom bend over and spread their cheeks.

Keep in mind this was at a Catholic School that come to find out years later had a pedophile priest

 

[ASD_Geek]

It's just unbelievable what some people do. Sorry that you went through that.

At the time my parents tried to sue the school but nothing came of it as the case was dismissed.

 

[Tia Maria]

Yes there are 24 hour schools or daycares for single mothers who use their kids as a way of getting free dental, free healthcare and free food.

Exactly, that is not a myth about the unwed women who have babies (usually with different fathers who do not support their children in any way emotionally, mentally or financially) as a 'career'. I wasn't aware of the 24 hour daycare facilities but I believe you they exist as well.

In the US (possibly it's worldwide), there is an unfortunate (& self sabotaging) mindset & culture in certain socioeconomic groups, including in both urban & rural areas, where young women assume & plan for getting pregnant as early as possible (usually by 16) because once they are pregnant & become a 'single mom', the government will step in & set them up with their own govt. funded apartment along with food stamps, welfare payments, transportation to & from HS & more. They receive free health care (Medicaid in the US), free or reduced utilities, free cell phones & access to all sorts of free things including charities that provide food, clothing, diapers, furniture etc ...

They now get to be their own 'independent household' - without working for it but also being too young, immature & ill equipped. They can now come & go, & do as they please, which was the goal. Every new baby, although a few individual states have imposed maximums, generates an increase in benefits. Having babies is their 'career' & each baby generates a 'raise'.

Instead of seeking knowledge, self improvement & life advancement through ambition & hard work, they are on a constant quest for additional government & charitable freebies. They truly believe that every single want or necessity in life is something that should be provided or handed to them, & that the purpose of government is to provide for all their personal needs & wants.

It is a sad & unfortunate lifestyle where this is mostly all each generation knows. The real losers in these households (I won't call them "families" because they are anything but a real family), are the children who are born into this situation & are not raised properly or responsibly. What kind of future could a kid ever have when their 'parents' consist of a single teenager who will never be able to provide them with emotional stability, model a healthy lifestyle & behavior, or equip them with the knowledge & life skills required to become independent themselves one day? Even if the single mom is thankfully not a drug or alcohol abuser, she is not able to provide her kid(s) - or herself - with a decent life or opportunities for a better future.

PS - 'opportunities' does not mean more material or consumer goods. In the US at least, the poorest households can still be found stocked with tech gadgets, large flat screen TVs & more. The 'solution' is not providing more money or material freebies to these single moms. The problem is one of personal competency & responsibility. Poor judgement & bad decision making is not fixed with a handout. They only have a chance of improving when a person is forced to live with the real consequences - good or bad - of their choices.

Of course not every single individual in these areas thinks & lives this way, but most do, & it is a self perpetuating cycle.

Again, this is NOT a myth. It is well documented & I am also personally well aware of it from 1st & 2nd hand knowledge from multiple sources & locations.

 

[Tia Maria]

When I first read your statement first thing to mind was that's to cruel to be true than I had a flash back to when I was in 1st grade and the teacher believed one of us messed ourselves so let children point at people and accusing everyone for the majority of boys had to go to the bathroom bend over and spread their cheeks.

Keep in mind this was at a Catholic School that come to find out years later had a pedophile priest

That reminds me of something I first thought many years ago .... that people who work with young children (including teachers) mainly fall into two categories; those who truly love children, & those who love abusing or exploiting children.

Of course this is an exaggeration & simplification, BUT IMO young children can be so exasperating, frustrating & exhausting that they require much genuine love & patience to do the best by them. So why would someone wish to work with them unless they had that kind love & patience for them in their heart? OR unless they wished to abuse &/or exploit them in some way?

Of course the majority of adults don't fall under either of the above categories but I thought it was an interesting supposition.

HisShadowX & ASD_Geek , I'm sorry you both had those awful experiences in grade school.

HisShadowX, I hope the parents of your 1st grade class complained loudly about what was done.

 

[Tia Maria]

I agree whole heartedly. I just hate it when people want to take these things away because someone isn't using it right. I feel like it's on the road to not even being able to touch someone. I don't think parents would like it too much if we couldn't protect their kids.

I have read many of your posts where you talk about your job working with these kids, & I want to commend you as well as say that I have more than once thought to myself how lucky & fortunate your students are to be working with you. You seemed to have found a 'calling' & I am very impressed with your knowledge of your job, as well as the compassion & maturity you express. (I had also read that you pet sit sometimes, & I would guess you are as equally competent & kind with people's pets.)

I am not sure of your age, & you may not be making a lot of money at this point in your life, but I personally can see how you would have a bright future ahead of you.

 

[James Dunn]

i had the principal allow the school bullies bash, kick, throw me down the stairs and break my glasses as I was so different in an attempt to get me out the school. As I had poor vision and could not read standard print i was made to stand in the corner with a dunce cap on as I cannot read standard print. When we had sports I had to sit and watch and got marked failed as I was not allowed to participate. My parents did not do a thing as it is what the principal said and he cannot be challenged

 

[Stik]

I have read many of your posts where you talk about your job working with these kids, & I want to commend you as well as say that I have more than once thought to myself how lucky & fortunate your students are to be working with you. You seemed to have found a 'calling' & I am very impressed with your knowledge of your job, as well as the compassion & maturity you express. (I had also read that you pet sit sometimes, & I would guess you are as equally competent & kind with people's pets.)

I am not sure of your age, & you may not be making a lot of money at this point in your life, but I personally can see how you would have a bright future ahead of you.

Thank you. That means a lot to me.