We wrote this post in fall 2020. Distance learning had cut many Ohio high school and college students with disabilities off from the accommodations they relied on. If a school is still failing a student with a disability, tell us what happened. We will tell you plainly whether we can help.
And many students may not be able to rely on parents for the accommodations they might otherwise receive during a typical school year. Such can be the case for students who do not live at home and those with parents who are unavailable during school hours. And as a result, teens and college students can face unique difficulties when distance learning.
Older students and accessibility problems
If you or your child is in high school or college, accessibility issues related to distance learning can derail academic performance.
A primary issue is technological limitations. Low-income students might be unable to afford the computers, printers and stable internet access necessary to participate fully in classes. And if a student would typically utilize assistive devices in school, like recorders, calculators and translators, they may not have access to those when they are away from school.
A lack of contact with support staff can also inhibit learning. At school, a student may have aides, tutors and other professionals to help them. Away from school, these resources may be less available and possibly less effective.
And it is not just the learning element of distance learning that can complicate life for students with additional academic needs. Being at home during school be distracting, isolating and stressful in ways that make it all but impossible for a young person to be active, productive participants in a class.
Overcoming these challenges
There are numerous things students can do to overcome these challenges, as articles like this one explain.
Students can reach out to teachers and support staff to communicate any concerns or obstacles they are facing. They can explore financial services that are in place to help low-income families secure the tools they need for school. They can do their schoolwork in a location away from home.
These solutions can be effective, but they all rely on the student to figure out what they need. When this is not possible, or these efforts are not sufficient, parties can explore the legal measures and resources that are in place to help students with accessibility needs get the education they deserve.