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Online school allows to create a flexible learning environment meeting student’s needs. Flexibility is key for the education of students with special needs. 7.5 million students in the U.S in 2022-2023 school year received special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), according to research by National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Students with special needs are those requiring special help and support because of a variety of physical, emotional, behavioral, or cognitive disabilities. Many traditional school districts struggle to hire special education professionals for students, according to a short read by Katherine Schaeffer at Pew Research Center.
Understanding Special Needs Students
Students with special needs come with a wide range of disabilities, where each has different challenges and strategies for their educational needs. We will cover the most common disability types among students to show how online school improves their education.
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Key Stats You Shouldn’t Miss
Disability types with the largest reported percentages of students in school year 2022-23 are:
Statistics are provided by National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
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Hearing Impairments
Traditional school setting is difficult for students with hearing loss due to background noise and inaccessible technology. Online schools provide for these students access to course materials with captions, transcripts, and assistive listening devices. Students have the ability to customize their environment at home to reduce external factors as much as they need.
Visual Impairments
Students with visual impairments such as color blindness, low vision faced problems in traditional school environments. During the traditional educational process accommodation is not possible for students in every situation. Online schools provide the opportunity to enlarge font sizes, contrast adjustment and use of screen readers to promote student’s full participation.
Physical Disabilities
Students with physical disabilities face mobility issues to travel to regular schools. Online schooling removes this issue since these students complete full education requirements at their home.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Students with autism tend to have a challenge in traditional school with many sensory and social issues. These students have much better results with online school in a predictable learning environment and strict routine with flexible options.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Students with ADHD have difficulty in paying attention and controlling impulsivity. Online school allows these students to take breaks at any time, and set their learning pace individually .
Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities
Students with dyslexia or any other kind of learning disability take more time to process. Online school assists these students with text-to-speech tools and interactive media. Online schools allow students with learning disabilities to switch between types of materials which is not possible during the traditional school learning process.
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Students with emotional and behavioral disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) struggle in traditional school as they need personalized approach. Online schools create controlled and customized environments to provide space to fit the needs of these students. Online school teachers are trained to help students with their needs including this type of disability.
The Benefits of an Online School for Special Needs
Online schools offer unique benefits for special needs students. It helps these students to have quality education. 12.6% students with special needs dropped out of school in 2020 according to study by What to Become.
Customized Learning Plans
Online schools provide the possibility of individualized education programs (IEPs) for each student. These programs target specific student’s needs. Students receive materials adapted to their learning pace and abilities in this approach.
Flexible Scheduling
Students with special needs have problems sticking to rigid schedules in schools. Online schools allow students to attend their classes at any times of day they feel most capable or when therapist appointments and other activities are not scheduled. This minimizes stress enabling students with special needs to be more productive in their studies.
Reduced Sensory Overload
Traditional school classrooms are overwhelming with the noise, lighting, and other environmental factors. Online schools provide a controlled environment for students with special needs. Students have the ability to customize their workspace to limit distractions.
Self-Paced Learning
Self-directed learning helps many special needs students learn best. Online schools allow students to review lessons, to pause videos, and to take their time on topics presenting a challenge. It gives students the opportunity to get concepts fully before moving on increasing retention.
Accessibility
Online schools eliminate the physical barriers for students with disabilities. Students who have limited mobility have access to lessons from their home. This guarantees student’s full participation in every aspect of education.
Lower Social Anxiety
Online school provides an option for students with special needs to engage with their peers and teachers without immediate face-to-face interactions. Students participate in forums, group chats, and virtual classrooms at comfort levels. This helps to build confidence to socialize when students feel ready. It reduces social pressure and students have better focus on performance.
Safe Learning Environment
Online schools guarantee a safe and structured environment for students with special needs to direct their attention to learning without anxiety due to negative social interactions. Students feel more in control with reducing anxiety and improving academic outcomes.
Parental Involvement
Parents are the key to education for students with special needs. Online schools enable parents to be involved more in the learning process of their children. Parents have the opportunity to track the progress of their child, communicate with the teachers, and assist the child in managing the daily assignments.
Use of Assistive Technology
Online schools use technology to make learning more accessible and successful for special needs students. Technologies including speech-to-text software, screen readers, and interactive modules, provide students the opportunity to experience their learning fully and efficiently.
Consistent Support
Online school teachers are trained to help the needs of all students, including those with special needs. Students receive feedback with one-on-one meetings, regular progress reports, and customized lesson plans. Students have more confidence to work through any issues arising in their learning process.
Online School for Students with Special Needs with Legacy Online School
“Our virtual classrooms promote active participation and ensure every student feels a sense of belonging”
Legacy Online School designed programs with a commitment to the needs of every student. Our school provides personalized learning plans to meet each student’s strengths and challenges. Learn more about Legacy Online School Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion here.
Legacy Online School teachers are trained in supporting students with special needs and provide them a quality educational experience leading them to future success. All of our teachers have either state or international certification, guaranteeing they have met rigorous standards and requirements. Explore our diverse and talented students and teachers of Legacy Online School here.
Enroll in our school and allow your unique child to unlock their talents receiving an accredited education!
