This week Port View Prep® Co-Founders and Principals Edward Miguel and Melaura Erickson Tomaino continued their advocacy efforts on the use of innovative and proactive therapies over the common practice of restraints for students with behavioral challenges. Taking their message to Sacramento once again, they met with Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell’s education liaison, Tanya Lieberman. Assemblymember O’Donnell is Chair of the Education Committee.
“We are determined to educate those with the power to make legislative changes about the success in reducing challenging behavior in students with special needs without the use of restraint or seclusion,” says Dr. Miguel. The co-founders and principals were invited to Sacramento in January to present on a panel on this subject and returned for another presentation in February.
Dr. Erickson Tomaino says, “We came here to represent the students and present evidence-based results proving there are more effective methods for dealing with severe challenging behaviors whether directed at another person, themselves, or their surroundings,”
Both Drs. Miguel and Erickson Tomaino were pleased with the warm welcome from Assemblymember O’Donnell’s office. “Our concerns were heard and there was expressed interest in learning more. We are encouraged and glad we made the trip to do this in person,” Dr. Miguel said.
“There is more road ahead but it’s a journey worth every step,” he adds.