“This will likely affect his entire life”: Parents’ views of special education services during COVID-19

• Published in: International journal of educational research 2022, Vol.112, p.101941-101941, Article 101941
• Main Authors: Sonnenschein, Susan, Stites, Michele L., Grossman, Julie A., Galczyk, Samantha H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: COVID-19; Education; Special education; Virtual learning
• ISSN: 0883-0355; 1873-538X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijer.2022.101941

•Special education and related service hours decreased during virtual learning/COVID-19.•Parents reported their children were unable to participate in virtual learning without significant adult support.•Parents often had other responsibilities and were unable to provide their children assistance during virtual learning. Research continues to emerge about the impact of COVID-19 on education; however, reports about the impact on students receiving special education services are more limited. This study examined parental views of distance learning for students with disabilities during the COVID-19 crisis. Using a survey disseminated via social media, we examined parents’ views (N = 153) of PK-12 education for students receiving special education services during COVID-19. Results indicated three main themes: (1) special education and related service hours were decreased during virtual learning; (2) parents reported that their children were unable to participate in virtual learning without significant adult support; (3) parents often were unable to provide their children with assistance due to other commitments including work and childcare.