“Unprecedented Times”: Understanding the Impact of the Educational Changes Due to Covid-19 on Students with Disabilities
Year: 2022
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The pandemic has changed the face of education for Ontario elementary school students. As students with disabilities were already experiencing systematic educational concerns, research has yet to explain the impact of the educational changes due to Covid-19 for students with disabilities. This study examines the influence of the physical changes, online learning, school environment, and the changes to resources and supports on elementary school students with disabilities. Furthermore, this study explores how students’ behaviors have been impacted by these changes. In order to examine how the educational changes of the pandemic have impacted students with disabilities, semi structured interviews were conducted with fourteen caring adults: primary caregivers, teachers and support staff for elementary school students with disabilities. Findings suggest that students with disabilities behaviors are being impacted by educational changes due to Covid-19. For most participants, the online learning environment was not successful and impacted their students learning outcomes and amplified their behavioral concerns. Participants suggest that the accessibility of resources and supports has suffered and has been limited during peak times of the pandemic. In the midst of a global pandemic, it is crucial to examine the impacts of the educational changes on disabled students to ensure that students well-being and academic success is being maintained.
Author: Clark, Haley
Institution: University of Guelph
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7053349873