Experts Share Virtual Learning Advice For Special Needs Children

Virtual learning can be difficult for students to adjust to. But for some students with special needs, it can be even harder.

Now, many parents are helping their children overcome the challenge. Parents with children in special education say this school year brings additional challenges but they're trying to adapt.

"I get to have way more friends and a new teacher," said 5-year-old Poppy.

That's what 5-year-old Poppy is the most excited for when she can finally go to school in person.

"I'm gonna be the only kid in school that has a wheelchair," Poppy said.

Poppy has Spina Bifida: it's a birth defect where the spinal cord doesn't develop properly.

"It impacts her ability to walk. She's in a wheelchair, she walks with bracing and a walker," said Jordan Cox.

Jordan Cox said her daughter Poppy was able to spend a few years learning at the Little Light House. Poppy graduated in the spring. It's a school in Tulsa that helps kids with special needs from birth to until they're six.

"Parents of children with special needs have a little different challenge," said Julie Wilson.

Senior Director of Family and Children Services Julia Wilson says before kids graduate from the Little Light House, they get them ready to go to public school.

But this year, virtual learning and COVID-19 changes are making it harder for parents, since special needs children need more hands-on help.

"Their kids' needs are so different than typically developing children," Wilson said.

Poppy is getting ready to start at Jenks Elementary, which is doing virtual learning for the first few weeks.

Cox says doing virtual learning with Poppy and her other two kids will be hard, but she wants parents to know they are all going through the same thing and need to give themselves grace.

"We'll figure it out and make the best of it," Cox said.

Jenks Public Schools said students in special education classes will still have the option of in-person learning.