It saddens me we are still discussing the ban or restraint & seclusion and prone practices within Virginia schools.. my daughters name is GIGI. She is the happiest human I’ve ever known. Gigi has never had a behavior plan in her time within school, nor has she ever had problem behaviors like most have assumed about her. She has been secluded & or restrained in one of our largest school systems since 2010. This same wealthy, well-known, affluent school system never felt it necessary to let me know my daughter had been put behind a 6-8 foot cabinet, bookcases, the brick wall and gym mats, while the only 2 adults had their backs to her, meaning they could not tell if my daughter was in distress, hurt or in need of assistance. Gigi needs help with all basic life skills and looks to her teachers for support, love and respect none of which were shown to her the day they turned their back to her leaving her to think who knows what. I was not told in a timely manner it was weeks later, leaving me only to question Gigi’s outbursts and behaviors. Restraint & Seclusion are NEVER needed. Not one expert, educator, or other expert is going to convince me it’s a “needed” practice. We can’t go into public restrooms, small spaces of any kind with out some sort of outburst in distress from Gigi. The student who took Gigi’s picture behind the teacher made enclosure is my hero. Gigi was the first person he’d photographed as he typically enjoys taking photos of objects rather than people. These children and adults are human beings with the same rights and needs as anyone else. I have never seen or read of one positive affect these practices have had on someone. I am now begging you to have the practice of restraint & seclusion & prone banned from use in Virginia.