For most students with signifiant disabilities, digital learning in absence of in-person support of a highly trained educator or para-educator is simply not accessible. Neither the governor's proclamations nor OSPI preclude school districts from providing 1:1 in-person supports for these students by school personnel in the home or on school property, provided applicable DOH guidelines are followed.
Outside of school, people who support our children in performing Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and maintaining or obtaining functionality (Occupational Therapy(OT)/Physical Therapy(PT)/Behavior Therapy(BT), etc.) can continue to provide these services because as essential workers, they are exempt for the stay healthy, stay home initiative. In fact, many of our children are still getting these services in home or clinic settings. If non-school therapists/caregivers have suspended operations, it isn’t because they can’t provide services, it is because they won’t.
Similarly, the governor has always left open that school-based services for vulnerable students can be provided in school buildings. For the highest-needs students, the school based essential workforce includes people who support our children in performing ADLs and maintaining or obtaining functionality (OT/PT/BT, etc.). That is, people who do work are classified as essential. It follows that if school therapists/caregivers are no longer providing services set out in IEPs, it is because they won’t, not because they can’t.
The arbitrary distinction between services/caregiving needed during a school day and the rest of a day/weekend ignores how much support our children need ALL of the time. It also demeans the heroic efforts of the caregivers and therapists who, in recognition of these needs, have stepped up to continue to do their essential jobs under the present circumstances.
Last week a wise friend told NPR: "“People don't understand that for our families, caregivers are our first responders. Special needs schools are our hospitals. Our teachers are our ventilators. And we can't do this without them.”
If the Continuous Learning Plans (CLP) your school is offering is inaccessible without 1:1 in-person supports, WAAA would like to assist. Please email Arzu Forough for more information.