The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Special Education: A Case Study

Author

Megan CerconeFollow

College

College of Health Professions

Date of Last Revision

2023-05-05 21:58:01

Major

Exercise Science

Honors Course

5550:430:002

Number of Credits

2

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2022

Abstract

The purpose of this research project is to explore the possible impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on special education by evaluating the experiences of one child with disabilities who attends public schools. METHODS: A semi-structured interview was conducted with the two parents of the child, who has physical disabilities and an IEP through his school, meaning he receives special education services through intervention teachers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. The interview was recorded and transcribed, and then interview transcripts were evaluated to identify themes in the subjects’ responses regarding their child’s experience with public education during the pandemic. RESULTS: Analysis revealed the student had struggles with telehealth therapy services, exhaustion, and socializing that the subjects attributed to the pandemic. Contrarily, the subjects saw positive impacts regarding communication with teachers, insight on their child’s education, and newfound understanding from teachers that they credited with the pandemic. DISCUSSION: Overall, these results may provide insight for experiences in special education during the pandemic. In all, these results indicate the COVID-19 pandemic will have lasting impacts on special education.

Research Sponsor

Melissa G Smith

First Reader

Rachele M Kappler

Second Reader

Judith A Juvancic-Heltzel

Honors Faculty Advisor

Melissa G SMith

Recommended Citation

Cercone, Megan, "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Special Education: A Case Study" (2022). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1574.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1574