1. Student Rights Committee (SRC)
Overview and Description
Perkins School for the Blind
2017

2. Student Rights Students at Perkins have the right to:
Certain goods and services including those rights enumerated in state regulations
A positive and healthy school and residential experience
Be recognized as unique individuals with special strengths, areas of need, and personal goals
Be treated with dignity and respect at all times

3. What are student rights?
Examples of Student Rights and issues that SRC has addressed:
Access to daily recreation
Flu shots
Access to social contact
Right to privacy and sexuality
When appropriate - participate in making rules
When appropriate - participate in design of own behavior support plan
Use of technology, telephones, communication devices, etc.
Student routines being interrupted by another student’s behavioral issues

4. What is the purpose of the SRC Committee?
To help ensure student rights are adhered to by:
Informing staff about student rights
Addressing issues that may be negatively impacting:
Student safety
Student’s access to education, the school environment or community
The care students receive at school
Student’s overall well-being
Promoting the use of positive behavior support

5. Who is on the SRC Committee?
Staff from all across educational programs:
Zachary Bird – DB Behavior Analyst
Andrea Covelli – DB Teacher
Grace Fulton – S Teacher
Adria Hodas – Director of Health Services
Mike McDonald – S Assistant Education Director
Brett McNeil – Staff Trainer
Elizabeth Porter – LS Social Worker
Kathleen Power – DB Coordinator of Residential Living
Justine Rines – Evaluations Coordinator (SRC Facilitator)
Jennifer Siff – S O&M Teacher
Mary Talbot-Fox – LS/ELC School Psychologist
Jim Witmer – DB Social Worker

6. Who are the Student Rights Advocates?
Jim Witmer
Deafblind
X 7255
Betsey Porter
Lower School & ELC
X 7287
Grace Fulton
Secondary X7408

7. What is a Students’ Rights Advocate?
They act as a liaison between staff in an educational program (Deafblind, Lower School/ELC, and Secondary) and the SRC
They are the contact person for staff who are concerned about a student not having his/her rights met
Advocates are expected to:
Attend monthly SRC meetings
Receive staff concerns related to student rights
Address concerns in a timely manner by speaking with supervisors, administration and/or SRC
Report student right concerns and outcomes to the SRC

8. What should I do if I have a concern regarding Student Rights?
Speak to your supervisor
Speak to your program Student Rights Advocate
Speak to anyone on SRC
Submit a Student Rights Form (available on AskHowe or from any committee member)
The process should be easy and non-threatening
All supervisors are aware that staff may go to a Student Right Advocate with a concern

9. Student Rights Form