The following educational resources related to COVID-19 were collected by members of the P&A Network and our local/national partners. Periodic updates and revisions will be made to this page as we collectively strive to protect the rights of students with disabilities throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. Suggestions for additions to this resource can be directed to Diane Smith Howard at [email protected].
Accommodating Online Instructional Strategies During School Closure
Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP):
- Guidance on Virtual Schools (August 5, 2016)
- Solid pragmatic suggestions included in “Preparing For Infectious Disease: Department Of Education Recommendations To Ensure The Continuity Of Teaching And Learning For Schools (K‐12) During Extended Student Absence Or School Dismissal”
- “Readout of the U.S. Department of Education’s Coronavirus Conference Call with Chief State School Officers” (March 12, 2020)
Chapter Three (beginning on page 46) of this book: “Equity Matters 2016 Digital & Online Learning for Students with Disabilities The Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities”
- See also other resources on the “The Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities” website
Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) document for school officials “Consideration for Special Ed. Administrators”
National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) Online Learning for Students with Disabilities: Considerations for SEA Policies and Procedures (February 2017)
Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities “Report on the Stakeholder Forum on Elementary and Secondary Online Learning and Students with Disabilities” Especially pages 5-17 (March 1, 2017)
California Department of Education “Resources that Support Distance Learning, Supporting Students with Disabilities in Distance Learning”
Parent Support
Journal of Interactive Online Learning’s “Online learning and students with disabilities: Parent Perspectives”
Student Privacy
Department of Education’s “Protecting Student Privacy: FERPA and the Coronavirus” (March 12, 2020)
Bullying
The Office for Civil Rights “Letter to Education Leaders on Preventing and Addressing potential discrimination associated with COVID-19” (March 4, 2020)
Health/Nutrition Issues
Center for Disease Control (CDC):
- “Guidance on Considerations for School Closures” (March 13, 2020)
- “Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations: Interim Recommendations for US Community Facilities with Suspected/Confirmed Coronavirus Disease”
Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center website as useful information, resources, trainings, and tools for addressing infectious diseases, related topics, and protecting the school community.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture released new information on flexibilities that will allow students to access meal service during school closures (March 10, 2020)
In Home Services/Out of Home Care
While technically related to the child welfare system, this article has useful advice about in and out of home service provision.
Accountability Measures
Department of Education’s “Fact Sheet: Impact of COVID-19 on Assessments and Accountability under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act” (March 12, 2020)
Legal
Department of Education’s “Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the COVID-19 Outbreak” (March 12, 2020)
Legislation: Federal
Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions “CORONAVIRUS: Murray Introduces Bill to Support Students, Teachers, School Staff Amid School Closures” (March 13, 2020)
State Materials
Colorado
Disability Law Colorado Factsheets “COVID-19 & Educational Rights for Parents” and “Derechos Educativos para Padresante el COVID-19” (March 27, 2020)
Idaho
DisAbility Rights Idaho Letter to Idaho State Department of Special Education – Virtual Learning (April 8, 2020)
Maine
Disability Rights Maine Post “Protecting the Rights of Students with Disabilities During and After the COVID-19 Educational Disruption” (April 21, 2020)
Maryland
Special Education and Your Child with an IEP During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Brief Guide for Parents (April 3, 2020)
New York
Disability Rights New York Factsheet “Accessing Special Education during COVID-19” (April 3, 2020)
Texas
Disability Rights Texas Handout “Coronavirus and the Rights of Students with Disabilities” (March 12, 2020)
Disability Rights Texas Handout “COVID-19 and Students with Disabilities in College” (March 20, 2020)
Washington State
Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Statement on “Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance & Resources”
Sample COVID-19 Court & Attorney Response Protocols
Colorado Office of the Child Representative’s “COVID-19 Resources”
Washington State, King County Superior Court Emergency Order Dependency Court (March 13, 2020)
Washington State, King County Superior Court Emergency Order Family Court (March 12, 2020)
Louisiana Supreme Court Guidance Washington, DC Court Protocols (March 12, 2020)
Page last updated April 23, 2020
