Advocacy Alerts

Take Action Now! ESEA Reauthorization Bill Moving Fast

ESEA Reauthorization Bill Moving Fast, Could Harm Students with Disabilities SUMMARY: Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), the new Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, recently released a discussion draft bill to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), called the “Every Child Ready for College or Career Act of 2015.” Senator… read more

TASH Model State Bill on Restraint & Seclusion

TASH has led the fight against the use of aversive behavioral interventions for many years. Last year, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights data collection reported that restraint and seclusion use is climbing in public schools. Use is disproportionate: 75% of all incidents involve students with disabilities, and children of color with and… read more

Take Action! Urge VA Governor to #FreeNeli

Members of TASH, We write to apprise you of the plight of Reginald “Neli” Latson, a 23-year-old man with autism, who has been unjustly treated and subjected to a cycle of arrest and incarceration for behaviors that are a result of his disabilities. Background: In 2010, Latson was arrested for an altercation with a police… read more

Take Action! Call Senators Today and Urge Passage of CRPD

Next Tuesday, July 22, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is scheduled to hold a vote on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).  This vote or “markup,” is a critical step toward a full Senate vote, and we need your help!  Call 202-224-3121 to speak to your Senators today and urge them to swiftly… read more

TASH Heating Things Up on the Hill

It is a SCORCHING 90+ degree weather in Washington, D.C. today, but that will not stop TASH members and advocates from across the country, to gather on Capitol Hill to hear from disability champions in Congress and meet with U.S. senate and house offices. TASH’s Capitol Hill Day started with an 8:30 AM meeting at… read more

Ask Congress to Support Bill to Prevent Dangerous Restraint & Seclusion

National Call-In Day, June 12 Restraint and Seclusion are practices used in public schools (and schools that receive public funds) that have killed, injured, and traumatized students. More than 20 children have died, according to a Congressional agency report.  Nearly 110,000 students were subjected to restraint and seclusion in isolation rooms, according to data from… read more

Judge Overturns Guilt Verdict in Rape of Woman with Down Syndrome

A Georgia Court of Appeals judge recently ordered a new trial for a man convicted of repeatedly raping a 24-year-old woman with Down syndrome. Judge Christopher McFadden overturned the jury’s guilty verdicts against William Jeffrey Dumas, who was originally sentenced to 25 years in prison. McFadden, who oversaw both cases, said he would not comment… read more

A Week of Action to Support the ABLE Act

During the week of October 7th, disability organizations and advocates will team up to advocate for the passage of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act (S. 313/HR. 647). This important legislation would utilize the 529 college education saving account program to establish a savings tool for individuals with disabilities. The bill currently has… read more

TASH Asks Senate to Strike Section 511 from Workforce Investment Act

On July 31, the Senate HELP Committee passed the Workforce Investment Act Reauthorization (S. 1356), which includes several provisions that TASH is pleased to see, including an extension of supported employment to 24 months, and the inclusion of customized employment and Discovery as fundable services. However, TASH and several of its allies in the disability… read more