The transition from in-person classroom learning to online learning was rapid, and many families were not properly prepared for it. Their children may not have laptops or tablets of their own, or the software required for schoolwork may not be compatible with their devices. This can make it difficult for them to complete their work, and even moreso if their disability requires the use of assistive technologies that won’t work on their device or with the software provided by the school district. If this is the case for your child, speak with your school’s administration about how you can get the tools your child needs to succeed in this environment.
With the onset of the pandemic, we saw an initial decline in inclusive education for students with disabilities. As schools were forced to close their doors, many districts did not know how to provide inclusive education for their students. Some districts were able to provide online learning and some were not, but many districts were unable to provide any type of education for these students. This caused a decline in educational outcomes for these students, which could have long-lasting effects.
As we move forward into a new school year, we must be cognizant of this decline and work to prevent it from happening again. We must also recognize that there are still students who are unable to access inclusive education due to poverty or other factors. These students are at risk of falling behind their peers and need access to resources that will help them succeed in school and beyond.
Inclusive education is essential for all students, especially those with disabilities. We must ensure that all teachers have access to resources and training on how best to support all learners in their classrooms so that every student can receive a high-quality education regardless of ability or socioeconomic status.
The pandemic has had a huge affect on everyone, but it has especially impacted the most vulnerable of us. Many special needs students have struggled to maintain a quality education while being isolated at home. The collaborative efforts of teachers, parents and community members have allowed these students to continue their education.
These children often need extra help in order to succeed in school. Before the pandemic, they were able to receive this help during their school day with the help of a teacher or paraprofessional. Now that these students are learning at home, their teacher is often not present to help them through their day.
Many of these students have made great progress with the help of technology such as iPads and speech software. This software allows them to communicate with others through text and video chat as well as email and phone calls. These resources allow people to communicate with one another across long distances without having to meet in person.
Parents of children with special needs have also made great strides toward providing their child with an excellent education. By becoming involved in their child’s education, parents are able to work closely with teachers and other professionals who are working hard every day on behalf of these students.
In addition to making sure your site is accessible, make sure your devices are user-friendly for students with disabilities by testing them beforehand. For example, if you’re providing e-learning materials on tablets or computers, try adjusting the settings of those devices so that they work well for students who are blind or have low vision.
It is also important to create inclusive course materials so that students with disabilities can access them. One way to do this might be through captioning or audio descriptions of videos used in classes or lectures.