Restorative Applications in Special Education

This presentation will explore the intersection of special education and restorative practices based on the experiences of SchoolTalk's Restorative DC Program in Washington, DC. Since 2016, SchoolTalk has provided technical assistance to help DC schools implement a whole-school restorative model. The data, both in DC and nationally, show that students with disabilities are more likely to be suspended, expelled, or involved with the juvenile justice system then their non-disabled peers. How can restorative practices help address this gap? What do restorative practitioners need to know about special education and disabilities? SchoolTalk has worked with restorative practitioners and special education stakeholders to identify restorative applications to address the needs of students with disabilities and their families. This interactive presentation will include a review of several promising practices, tips for how to make restorative practices more accessible for students with disabilities, and lessons learned from our experiences with DC schools.