In schools and residential programs across the country, individuals with disabilities are victims of "aversive interventions" which are used to control challenging behaviors. This means that painful or dehumanizing procedures are used in response to behaviors that are judged to be unacceptable. Aversive procedures include the use of electric shock, water spray, prolonged physical isolation or restraint, noxious tastes or fumes, forced exercise and other techniques. This article examines the effectiveness, ethics, and legality of such procedures. The author then argues that, it has now been proven through a body of research, that positive behavior change methods are more effective, and do not inflict pain upon, humiliate or dehumanize people with special needs. The author concludes by saying that aversive procedures and restraint are not necessary to decrease problem behaviors. She contends that their use should not be tolerated by a society that bases its system of beliefs on the fair and ethical treatment of all of its citizens. She suggests that as a society, we fool ourselves if we believe that aversive procedures are a necessary or conscionable part of treatment.