Experiences of Students With IDD Before and During COVID-19: A National Survey

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 11
  In Roundtable Session: Perspectives on COVID-19 and Special and Inclusive Education

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the education of all students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), who rely on school-based services to access instruction. We conducted a national survey (N = 66) to understand the experiences of K-12 students with IDD before Covid-19, in Spring 2020, and in Fall of 2020. Survey results indicated loss of services and school-provided supports for students with IDD during Covid-19, lower reported enjoyment of school, and increased involvement of parents in academic instruction. Initial analyses suggest that findings vary by time period, such that for all outcomes, experiences in Spring 2020 differed from those prior to Covid-19 and appeared to exhibit some evidence of rebound in Fall 2020.

Authors

• Esther Lindström, Lehigh University

• Jenny Root, Florida State University

• Deidre P. Gilley, Florida State University

• rui chen, Lehigh University