Families with special needs face challenges with online learning

Leanna Carter said her children, Domenick and Madison, need face-to-face interaction with teachers more than ever, and without it, they will face difficulties.

All Durham Public Schools students, including those with special needs, will learn online for at least the first nine weeks of the school year.

"We reached out in the last few weeks many times and have been told that they’re coming up with a plan of attack, and I don’t understand where that plan of attack is," Carter said, adding that her children would benefit from a classroom setting.

Family with child who has autism says their district's plan does not fit their child's needs

"What is being lost is the fact that he’s already behind because of developmental stuff," Carter said of Domenick. "I don’t think there’s going to be any learning, to be honest. My kids won’t sit still. Nothing I can do, well, I don’t plan to threaten my children or punish them for not being able to complete their lessons."

Kristin Bell, DPS' executive director for exceptional children’s services, said in-class learning isn't safe right now, but teachers will still be key to helping parents navigate.

"They’ll have a lot of opportunity for training, and they’ve been engaged in conversations with us for some time now," Bell said. "They’re going to be the first point of support for parents on problem solving."

Every child with special needs has individual needs, she said. Now that teachers and staff are back in schools this week, they can better determine what resources are available for families based on those needs, she said.

Children with special needs could struggle with school safety precautions

Getting special-needs students back in the classroom is a priority, Bell said, but safety comes first. No date has been set for when those can return to school.

"This whole thing has just left us sort of with our mouths hanging wide open, to be honest," Carter said.