Parents of Children with Disabilities Feel Neglected by Schools

artificial insemination kit for humans

In the spring of 2020, our world faced an unprecedented challenge. Most activities came to a halt, leaving only essential services such as hospitals, grocery stores, and schools operational. Unfortunately, schools were caught off guard by this sudden disruption.

Schools and educators represent the foundation of our hopes for a brighter future for our children. But what happens when they are not prepared for a crisis like a pandemic? As a parent of two school-aged kids, I can attest that it has been a learning curve for everyone. However, for many other families, particularly those with children who have disabilities, the experience was far more challenging.

While everyone faced disruptions, families of children with disabilities depended on specialized activities tailored to their needs—activities that vanished almost overnight. For those unfamiliar, many critical resources for these students are outlined in their Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs). Sadly, IEPs are primarily designed for in-person interactions, and many activities cannot be effectively conducted online.

Transitioning from parent to part-time teacher proved to be a daunting task, especially for parents of children with disabilities. The struggle of teaching their children compounded the challenges of parenting during this time. Many parents reported that the term “difficult” barely scratched the surface of their experiences. In conversations with various parents, one mother named Olivia, whose son has a learning disability, shared, “I saw my child regress rather than make progress.” Another parent, James, whose daughter is nonverbal, expressed similar feelings, stating, “She needs a lot of extra support just to keep up.”

It’s essential to recognize that the challenges faced are not due to the fault of the students, their parents, or even their teachers. A special education teacher from the Midwest, who provides services for young children, noted that one of the biggest obstacles was ensuring access to technology, internet, and food for families in need.

Given that special education relies partially on federal funding, it would be prudent to increase the financial support to ensure every student has internet access. This would help prevent a similar situation in the future, should another global crisis arise.

The pandemic highlighted the existing disparities in services for students with disabilities, which were already significant before 2020. Since 1975, guidelines have been in place aimed at providing every student with a free and quality education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was enacted to promote equity among children of all abilities. However, the reality shows that many students with disabilities struggle to maintain their educational experience.

Currently, the federal government has pledged to cover 40% of the average cost for special education students. While this sounds promising, in 2020, only 13% was funded—the lowest since 2000. Over the past two decades, the federal government has never fulfilled its 40% commitment, which raises serious concerns about how schools can adequately support students with disabilities.

While I typically steer clear of politics, it seems that the current administration is finally addressing the concerns of parents, educators, and advocates. The U.S. budget for the 2022 fiscal year includes an increase of $2.7 billion for IDEA funding, which is long overdue.

Education is vital to our society, and quality educational experiences should be guaranteed for every child, regardless of their learning needs. It is crucial for governors, Congress, and other officials to heed the calls from parents and educators of children with disabilities and fulfill their promises regarding educational quality. After all, these children represent our future.

To educators, thank you for your unwavering commitment, even when it can be challenging to engage children in learning. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and as parents, we appreciate your efforts to nurture our children’s minds, even when their learning needs differ from their peers.

Parents, you are the true champions in this journey. Advocating for your child’s right to a quality education is not an easy task, and you should not have to do it alone. Whether your child has a disability or not, make your voices heard at every level of governance. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow.

If you’re interested in learning more about related topics, check out our post on sperm identification or visit Make A Mom for information on artificial insemination kits. Additionally, UCSF’s Center offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.