Enhancing Supportive Relationships Among Students With Disabilities During Lockdown Through Dialogic Literary Gatherings

• In Event: Friendships and Social Emotional Learning in Special and Inclusive Education

Abstract

The current global pandemic has exacerbated systematic inequalities that vulnerable groups encounter in educational settings. COVID-19 prevention and containment measures, especially those related to lockdown and social distancing, have made pupils with disabilities feel more isolated from their social support systems. However, this educational crisis has also brought unpredicted possibilities through online education. This paper explores how a dialogic space transferred online during the confinement, named Dialogic Literary Gatherings, enhanced students’, teachers’ and families’ supportive relationships. A qualitative case study research was conducted with students with disabilities during confinement. Our results revealed that, despite the confinement, students felt a sense of belonging and had a connection with their social support systems in an egalitarian atmosphere.

Authors

• Rocio Garcia-Carrion, University of Deusto

• Garazi Álvarez Guerrero, University of Deusto

• Eugenia Allotey, University of Deusto