Parents of Children with Disabilities Feel Let Down by Their Schools

In the spring of 2020, our world faced an unprecedented challenge that reshaped our daily lives. Almost everything came to a halt, except for essential services like hospitals, grocery stores, and schools. Unfortunately, schools were not equipped to handle such a massive disruption.

Educators are the foundation upon which we build our hopes for a better future for our children. But what happens when they are caught off guard by a crisis like a pandemic? As a parent of two school-aged kids, I can attest that it has been a steep learning curve for everyone. However, many families, especially those with children with disabilities, faced far greater hardships.

While everyone felt the impact of the pandemic, students with disabilities often depended on specialized programs and resources tailored to their needs—many of which vanished overnight. For those unfamiliar, these resources are typically outlined in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Sadly, many IEP components are designed for in-person instruction, making online adaptations challenging.

Transitioning from parent to part-time teacher was tough for all of us, but it was particularly daunting for parents of children with disabilities learning from home. Parenting is one thing; teaching is another entirely, and this reality hit hard for many. Parents reported that the term “difficult” barely scratched the surface. In an interview with NPR, one parent, Sarah, whose son has an intellectual disability, lamented, “I watched my child fall behind.” Another parent, Jamie, whose daughter is deaf and nonverbal, shared similar frustrations, stating, “He needs so much more just to make a little progress.”

It’s essential to recognize that this situation is not the fault of the students, parents, or teachers. A special education teacher in the Midwest revealed to us that the biggest hurdles included access to technology, internet connectivity, and even food for families in need.

Given that special education funding comes from federal sources, it begs the question: Why not increase federal support to ensure every student has internet access? This preparation could help us be better equipped for future emergencies.

The pandemic disproportionately affected students with disabilities, but even before 2020, there was a significant gap between the services these students required and what they received. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was enacted in 1975 to ensure every child receives a free and appropriate education. However, it clearly isn’t functioning as intended when students with disabilities struggle to maintain their educational progress.

Currently, the federal government is supposed to cover 40% of the average cost for each special education student. But in 2020, they only contributed 13%, the lowest level since 2000. Over the past two decades, they have never met their 40% obligation, which raises serious concerns. How can schools provide adequate education and support to students with disabilities without the necessary funding?

While I typically avoid politics, it seems the current administration has finally acknowledged the voices of parents, educators, and advocates. The U.S. budget for the 2022 fiscal year includes a significant increase of $2.7 billion for IDEA funding— a welcome change.

Education is the bedrock of our society. Every child deserves quality educational experiences, regardless of their learning needs. It’s crucial for governors, Congress members, and senators to heed the requests of parents and educators of children with disabilities. They must fulfill their promises regarding educational quality because these children are our future.

To educators, thank you for your dedication. Inspiring students to engage with learning, especially when it doesn’t revolve around their favorite video games, is no easy feat. Your commitment is recognized, and as parents, we appreciate your expertise in nurturing our children’s diverse learning styles.

Parents, you are the true champions in this fight. Advocating for your children’s rights to a quality education is a challenging endeavor, and you shouldn’t have to do it alone. Whether your child has a disability or not, let your voices resonate through your school districts, counties, states, and the nation. Every child deserves the chance to learn and grow.

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Summary

The challenges faced by parents of children with disabilities during the pandemic highlighted significant gaps in educational support. Many families felt abandoned as essential resources disappeared, and the existing federal funding for special education fell short. As advocates for their children, parents need to raise their voices to demand the quality education all children deserve.

Keyphrase: Parents of children with disabilities

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