Special Education Needs (SEN):Online Access and Inclusion

Special Education Needs (SEN) and Disabilities: Online Access and Inclusion While things like cyberbullying can negatively impact anyone, children and teens with disabilities and special educational needs can be particularly vulnerable. Educators should therefore be extremely vigilant when it comes to monitoring their online use. What You Can Do 1. Consult others. Seek guidance and support from your colleagues who might be going through the same things as you and other professionals such as guidance counselors. 2. Get aligned. Communicate with other teachers and school administration, as well as other adults who care for your student. Set ground rules but also have a plan for what to do if something does go wrong. 3. Be proactive. Be aware that some predators might specifically target disabled children and have a plan in place with their caregivers for what to do if that does occur. 4. Limit exposure. Controlling the content that your student with disabilities can see is a good way to keep him or her safe. Installing internet filters to school devices can do this. 5. Benefit from technology. Stay up to date on new apps that can help your students learn, as well as new and improved safety settings that can keep them safe from predators and inappropriate content. How Technology Can Help 1. Communication – Children with disorders that impact their communication, such as autism can find it easier to communicate online, rather than face-to-face. 2. Learning support – There are numerous programs, apps, websites, and gadgets out there that can help children with special education needs. 3. Activities – Online and digital activities can often be repeated (as many times as needed) to help children learn new things. Reference https://parentzone.org.uk/article/making-internet-work-families-disabilities