School reopening during COVID-19 pandemic: Considering students with disabilities

Joline E. Brandenburg, Lainie K. Holman, Susan D. Apkon, Amy J. Houtrow, Rinaldi Robert, Sholas Maurice G.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Over 80% of the children in the world have had their education impacted by COVID-19. For children with disabilities who receive special education services, access to in-person education and other resources at school is particularly important. The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for students to attend school in person, without specifics for how children with disabilities can safely return to school. To appropriately plan and accommodate children with disabilities we must prioritize safety, allow for adherence to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and preserve essential school staff. The less cumbersome default of confining students with disabilities to home is not acceptable. We provide an outline describing why Individual Education Plans and 504 plans are important, how they are related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and recommendations for measures to help with safe return to school for children with disabilities.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)425-431
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Disability pediatric rehabilitation
  • children
  • education
  • health equity
  • school

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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