via The National Council on Disability (7.18.11):
NCD Urges Elimination of Electric Shock and Other Aversive Punishments
The National Council on Disability (NCD), an independent federal agency that advises the President, Congress, and other federal officials and entities on policies and programs affecting Americans with disabilities, submitted comments today supporting amendments to regulations proposed by the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services to restrict electric shock and other aversive punishments for students with disabilities.
Under the amendments, 'treatments' causing physical pain – such as "spanking, slapping, hitting or contingent skin shock" would no longer be permitted. There are two public hearings scheduled on the proposals, a July 20 hearing at the Worcester Public Main Library and a July 22 hearing at the John McCormack Building in Boston. Written comments are due Aug. 1.
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