Teacher- and Administrator-Reported Mechanical Restraint Use in Schools

Abstract

Students with disabilities are subjected to coercive measures more frequently than typically developing students. While mechanical restraint, a procedure that restricts movement by using a device (e.g., belt, strap), is illegal to use in public schools in many states, some teachers may not be aware of that. There is no study to date examining teacher- or administrator-reported use of mechanical restraint events in school settings. The current study explored the frequency of teacher- and administrator-reported mechanical restraint use, types and prevalence of devices used, and sociodemographic variables associated with mechanical restraint use. Ninety-six Prekindergarten through 12th grade teachers and 160 administrators (e.g., principals, special education coordinators) completed an online, self-report survey. Most teachers (n = 77) and administrators (n = 129) reported the crisis management team using only their physical body during restraint events. Fifteen teachers and 23 administrators reported at least one device being used during at least one restraint event. A variety of types of devices and a range of prevalence of device use were reported. No sociodemographic variables were associated with teacher- or administrator-reported device use. Implications for policy and practice are provided.