Supporting Students with Disabilities in an Online Educational Setting

Introductions Katie Santana Director of Instruction Florida Virtual School Full Time

Today’s Objectives Provide an overview of the support frameworks that are available for students in a virtual school that benefit SWD. Share effective practices surrounding reinforcement systems that benefit all students in an online educational environment. Discuss the provision and implementation of ESE services, accommodations, related services and other essential supports for SWD. Discuss your own challenges in educating SWD online.

Setting the Tone Welcoming Families Regular 2-way Communication Encouraging Participation Support Systems Welcoming Families (getting to know them, interests, needs, building trust, making connections) Regular 2-way communication (emails, phone calls, texts, more than just IEP meetings) Encourage Participation (events, committees, school spirit) *See next slide for - Support Systems (parent info sessions, student help sessions, contacts readily available)

Virtual School Supports Parent Information Sessions School Counselors Support Character Education College/Career Exploration Teacher Open Office Tutoring Sessions Peer Tutoring Study Groups Test Prep Sessions Enrichment Teacher Support/PD Student Support Plans

Additional Support Services MTSS Framework/RTI Academic/Behavior Interventions ELL Support Exceptional Student Education Services Related Services Therapies Social Skills Training Mental Health Counseling Crisis Intervention

Supports for All Students Inherent Accommodations Extended Time Access 24/7 Record Lessons Copies of Lessons Adjusted Pacing 1:1 Support via Phone, Text and/or Email Text alternatives for videos and graphics

Environmental Strategies   Designated workspace location in the home Environment that is free of distractions Appropriate desk/chair Use of laptop or desktop computer vs. tablet Home supports

Organizational Strategies Course pacing guides Course calendars – virtual and/or printed out Designated folders for each course with printed materials/notes Designated folder on computer for each course in Documents/Desktop and backed up on USB drive Daily schedule with designated time set aside for each course Built in time for technology frustrations  

Behavioral Strategies Communication Monthly Calls Student Support Plans/Behavior Plan Progress Reports *Pick up the phone!

Instructional Strategies   Individualized Feedback Resubmissions of work Set small goals Breakout Rooms Study Groups Online tutoring Peer Tutoring Groups Collaboration Supplement verbal instructions with visual instructions (Jings/videos) Incorporate differentiated instruction Provide supplemental learning materials (outlines,/study guides.) Provide options for responding in class Provide options for presentation of assignments (podcasts/videos)  Discussion-based assessments

From the Start Application/Enrollment Consultation Academic Reviews ESE Specific Considerations Blended, Supplemental or Fully Online Options Review of Plans ESE Specific Considerations = Services/Needs/Abilities/LRE/Experience in Virtual

ESE Specific Support Once Enrolled ESE Case Manager Assignment Connections Continuous Monitoring ESE Services Related Services Assistive Technology Virtual Meetings

Examples of Additional Accommodations  *Note: Many accommodations are naturally embedded in the online educational environment as previously mentioned. Also, many any accommodations needed in a traditional school setting are not applicable in virtual school. Guided pacing /reduced pacing Text-to-speech tools/screen readers Speech-to-text tools Provide a Copy of Class Notes in Advance Testing Accommodations  

Supports for School Personnel Understanding ESE Sensitivity to Disabilities Best Practices for Communication Access to Student Documents Participation in Meetings

Questions & Comments

Helpful Resources ISTE - The International Society for Technology in Education http://www.iste.org/    iNACOL - The International Association for K-12 Online Learning http://www.inacol.org/ Online Tutoring: http://bjpinchbeck.com www.algebra.com/tutors http://learntobe.org Progress Report Generator http://www.teach-nology.com/web_tools/materials/weeklyprogress Study tips for online tests http://www.studygs.net/online/onlinetest.htm Text–to-Speech www.naturalreaders.com