We are two high school students in West Hartford (Charles Birbara and Timmy Baumer) who both have grandmothers repeatedly injuring themselves by falling out of wheelchairs.  These injuries lead to pain and discomfort for our grandmothers, and extreme concern for both of our families.  But these injuries clearly don’t have to happen, because simple seatbelts or other minimally invasive restraints could stop these falls from ever happening.  CT state law currently prohibits restraining of elderly patients in assisted living facilities and nursing homes.  This law against elder abuse is clearly well intentioned, but we believe it needs to be modified to allow certain safety features.