He’s Falling Behind: Virtual Learning and Impact on Students with Disabilities

It’s a difficult time for everyone. Learning is virtual for many children, which is bringing new problems for children going to school at home. For children who need different and more services, virtual learning can be particularly challenging.

A Charlotte, North Carolina, family is worried that their son Connor, who was born deaf, is falling too far behind because of virtual learning. When Connor was in school, he’d work with several teachers and aides who were specialists in helping children like him. Because of the pandemic, this isn’t possible any longer.

For children with hearing loss, it is challenging over a Zoom meeting to tell who is speaking and what is being said. For younger children with hearing loss, closed captioning may not be an option as they may not yet be able to read.

Children who would normally be receiving additional and much needed help in the classroom are likely falling behind. Connor is just one of many children whose parents fear they may regress due to virtual learning.

Reference

Leshner C. (2020) He’s falling behind: Concerns about the impacts of virtual learning on students with disabilities. WCNC Charlotte. December 11.