Detroit City Wire

Michigan public schools will continue distance learning for the rest of the school year, which brings up concerns for students with disabilities, according to the Mackinac Center. 

Since some disabled students may not be able to do well under remote learning, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said local school districts will have to compensate special education once in-person teaching resumes. 

Some districts will be able to create a remote special education experience that works with its students, but it can take time for teachers to adapt to mobile platforms and cyber schools, according to the Mackinac Center. Even if teachers quickly find a solution that works well, disabled students will have varying needs and there are likely to be technical challenges. 

Traci Lambert, a mother of a 14-year-old with Down Syndrome, said she would like more districts to involve parents when it comes to remote special education. 

“Their first thought should be how to include parents in the process, and that means listening carefully to them and respecting their input," Lambert told the Mackinac Center.