The Pandemic and Memphis Students with Disabilities

Virtual Learning shows the gap in education for students with disabilities

By Allison Donald As we come to the end of another school year it is safe to say that parents of children with disabilities in Memphis are glad to be returning to in person learning.  Throughout the year parents have expressed their frustrations with virtual learning due in part to the quality of education their children were receiving and the lack of support parents were offered if their children had complex disabilities that required occupational or physical therapy. 

The virtual learning environment has created a dilemma for parents and most parents did not have the proper support they needed to provide the same level of education their children would have received had they attended school in person. The fear most parents had was that their children would fall further behind their peers.  As a result, most parents of children with disabilities I know were pushing to reopen schools.

“It was a hot mess,” said Jessica Peggs, whose son Isaiah attends the Shrine School, “he barely paid attention to the computer screen.”

The whole virtual learning experience led to frustration and left people wondering why the school district was not better prepared for this circumstance.

Virtual school exposes the continued gap that children with disabilities continue to face in education. As advocates we must continue to push for more equity and inclusion whether it be in person or in a virtual space. Also, we have to identify the issues and hold those education administrators accountable for not ensuring that children receive an inclusive education which is their right under the IDEA. As a community we don’t want all of the strides we have made as a group to be erased.

MCIL continues to work with organizations like Divine Interventions to bridge the gap and inform parents of the vaccine education resources that are available to students with disabilities.  If there are parents who have questions about their child’s rights and responsibilities feel free to us at 901-726-6404.