SEN and Disabilities: Online Access and Inclusion

In general, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and negative aspects of the Internet for people with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities.  However, educational websites that help children with learning disabilities do already exist.

There are online options to help children learn basic reading and math skills, and there are others that help with more complex subjects like calculus.  Consider this link with 12 different websites for children with learning disabilities: https://www.special-education-degree.net/top-12-websites-children-learning-disabilities/.  

There you will find options for children with a wide range of learning disabilities, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and visual-motor deficit.

Of course, balance is key. These websites should be used to supplement other activities, both physical and intellectual.  Too much screen time for any child (or adult for that matter) is not healthy.

Apps and SEN

Apps have also been developed to help with specific needs.  Some of the apps require someone to be present and interact with the child as they complete different exercises and activities.  For example, there is Speech With Milo: Verbs, which was developed by a licensed speech-language pathologist and helps teach language skills to children.1  Another example is The Grace App, which uses a simple image exchange technique to aid children with autism and other disorders that impair their communication abilities, to communicate effectively.  By completing a quick Google search, you will likely find numerous options to help you find the right app for you and the child with disabilities that you interact with – and in the language of your choosing. 

Vulnerabilities and SEN

Though the Internet can be used positively to facilitate education, it can also be a dangerous place for young children and teens.  While things like cyberbullying can negatively impact anyone, children and teens with disabilities and special educational needs can be particularly vulnerable.  Communication is very important, but as many parents and caregivers of children with disabilities know, that can sometimes be very difficult.  Parents and caregivers should therefore be extremely vigilant when it comes to monitoring children’s online use, particularly until more research is done to conclude just how much the Internet and technology negatively affect these kids.

A child with physical disabilities can also be more vulnerable as their image can be used cruelly.  This was the case for Sophia, a young girl with facial deformities, deformities to her hands and feet, and Rett syndrome, whose mother had to fight for months to have a cruel Twitter post with her daughter’s photo attached removed, based on the fact that it used her daughter’s disabilities to discriminate against her and advocate for hateful, harmful practices. While all parents should be concerned about their children’s digital footprint, those with disabilities that are visible, have the added worry that their children will be made fun of online (more than the average child), or worse, that their disability will be used as a rallying call for things like eugenics and forced abortions.

Positive Uses of the Internet and SEN  

• Communication: Children with disorders that impact their communication, such as autism can find it easier to communicate online, rather than face-to-face.
• Learning support: There are numerous programs, apps, websites, and gadgets out there that can help children with special education needs.
• Activities: Online and digital activities can often be repeated (as many times as needed) to help children learn new things.
• Community: The Internet is a great place for parents, caregivers and teachers to find resources and other parents who are dealing with the same issues (good and bad) that they are facing.

Parents and the Digital World

• Controlling the content that your child with disabilities can see is a good way to keep him or her safe.  Installing Internet filters can do this.
• Be aware that a predator might target your child and have a plan in place for what to do if that does occur.
• Seek guidance and support from professionals and other parents who might be going through the same things as you.
• Communicate with your child (whenever possible), partner, as well as other adults who care for your child.  Set ground rules but also have a plan for what to do if something does go wrong.
• Fully consider the possible repercussions of posting photos of your child online.  Also, fully understand each site’s policies regarding removing discriminatory, hateful posts, so that if something does go wrong, you know how to address the issue.  Remember that even if a site removes a photo or a post, the Internet is forever.
• Stay up-to-date on new apps that can help your child learn, as well as new and improved safety settings that can keep them safe from predators and inappropriate content. S