STRUGGLING OUT OF SCHOOL
Lack of specialized programs, educational services having huge impact on children with special needs, parents say
A lack of specialized programs and educational services is having a huge impact on children with special needs, parents say.
Having a tough time keeping your school-age kids occupied, educated and active while staying home during the COVID19 pandemic? Imagine your child not being able to do anything for themselves.
It’s a reality for many parents in this province who have children with disabilities.
In a time of social isolation when many kids are finding it tough staying home away from school and friends, families of children with disabilities are having a particularly difficult time without essential social and educational programs.
For many parents — who have to be their children’s teacher, caregiver, nurse, physiotherapist and only friend — it’s been overwhelming.
“The disabled community is really struggling,” said Jeanine Hannah Mcdonald of St. John’s, whose 10-year-old daughter, Claire, has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and autism.
“People don’t realize that it’s extra hard for kids with extra needs. Our kids can’t go on their ipads alone or go out in the backyard by themselves to play. We do everything for them. It’s a lot of pressure.”
She said their children are missing out on specialized programs and educational services that are crucial for their development and special needs.
Not only have families been affected by the cancellation of programs and camps run by Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador, many say the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District isn’t doing enough to ensure children with disabilities receive the specialized lessons and material they need.
Cindy Hefford of Bloomfield, whose 10-year-old daughter, Sarah Howlett, has Down syndrome, said she has struggled to get the support her daughter needs.
“My biggest concern when all this happened was how is she going to continue to learn, because it’s not the same as our two sons, who can just go on their Google Classroom and do their schoolwork,” she said.
“A lot of the learning resource Claire needs is only available at school.”
She said while the school sent her websites for reading, most don’t have the levelled
“I can’t let Claire fall behind. She’s worked so hard to get to where she is right now.”
Cindy Hefford, whose 10-year-old daughter, Claire, has Down syndrome
readings she uses at school.
Hefford said she’s been working closely with the school’s instructional resource teacher, who is doing the best she can. However, Hefford has had to spend hours on the computer to find lessons that best cater to Sarah.
“I can’t let Claire fall behind,” said Hefford, who also worries Claire’s speech will regress without the speech therapy she received at school. “She’s worked so hard to get to where she is right now.”
Hefford said the school board should have been better prepared — providing children with disabilities interactive lessons and specialized sessions. She said she has requested answers, but school staff don’t know what the school board plans to do about it.
“We’re weeks into this now,” she said. “I think it’s time for them to know.”
No one was available at the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District to speak to The Telegram about the issue. An emailed response indicated that during the suspension of in-class instruction, all teachers are expected to maintain regular contact with students and families, “to the best of their ability,” and provide whatever encouragement, support and feedback is possible.
It noted approaches will vary, depending on the age of the students and their individual needs and circumstances. It can be through such online platforms as Google Meet, or it could be through phone calls or text messages.