Hi everyone, Steve asked me to post on here a little about myself and my advocacy work in Ohio and other areas. I am Helena Stephenson, I am a Autism Self Activist and Mental Health Self Activist. I am also the Author of the book: Dirty Little...

The dates for the first 2 inaugural Regional Academies on Violence and Abuse have been set for April 16 (Ashland) and April 17 (Akron). The focus of these events will be the ACE study, but we will also be talking about violence and abuse across the lifespan. Dr. Vince Felitti has been confirmed as the first keynote speaker of the day and he will be followed by 2 or 3 other speakers. In the afternoon, the format will change to an interactive discussion with local, state and national experts...

Thanks to Helena, Disability Rights Ohio and other advocates, a successful lawsuit is helping to address the problem of using seclusion and restraint in educational settings in Ohio. Another lawsuit seeks to address the common use of seclusion and restraint in Department of Youth Services institutions. Unfortunately, these efforts are isolated and fail to address the problem comprehensively across systems. The use of seclusion and restraint in children's residential treatment programs in...