Supporting Students With Disabilities During School Closures

The world is changing quickly today. Professionals are working from home, many people are out of work, and schools are closed. For students with disabilities, this alters their daily routine tremendously. There are many ways you can support your learner at home. Remember that there is no easy answer to at-home learning—we are all still learning and supporting each other! Here are some ideas on how you can support your student at home.

Get Organized

Many teachers provide students with daily schedules to keep them on track during the day. Providing a schedule for your learner at home will also help with this. Don’t forget to include breaks during your day and include some movement. Try to organize your student’s workspace in a quiet area with few distractions. Once your learner has completed tasks, reward them for their participation. Rewards can include playing a game, a bit of free time, or any of your favorite activities you already love doing with your little one.

Seek Out Accessibility Accommodations

Check with your child’s teacher if you don’t have access to their IEP or 504 Plan. Many students will have accommodations built into their learning plans. These may include extra breaks, small groups, and additional time for certain activities. Many students may also have assistive technology such as calculators, speech to text software, or other apps that they may use. You will know your learner best, so anything that you think may help would also be great to use.

Help With Lessons by Keeping Engagement High

Before beginning the work, review the directions with your student. If your child needs help, guide them through their work to make sure they are doing it correctly at each step. Help your child stay engaged by switching up how long they work on each subject area.

Communicate With Teachers

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s work, don’t be afraid to reach out to your child’s teachers. They are here to help! Plan to meet with your child’s teachers whenever school does resume. Many have designated hours that they can be reached to assist with your student's ability so that this quarantine feels more like continuous education rather than disrupted learning.

Make Use of Technology Resources

There are many resources for parents online. Louisiana's Department of Education has many helpful resources for providing continuing education for students with disabilities. If you don’t have internet, Comcast is offering free internet for 60 days, and many local internet providers are also offering similar options. You can also talk with the school about receiving equipment to use at home.

Remember—we are all in this together. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Keep your schedule consistent with establishing a routine. And no matter how much school work you get completed at home with your child, know that you are doing a valuable, wonderful job. Also, don't forget to make sure to find some time for your own self-care and personal goals, as well. Tulane School of Professional Advancement makes it easy to pursue your career goals while at home. Learn more about how we can help you continue your education. Explore our degrees and programs.