Disrupted Delivery of Special Education Services and Accommodations

Abstract

Special education services and accommodations provided in the educational system were significantly disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This chapter reviews the basics of special education services, including the laws, regulations, and processes that govern identification and implementation of these services. Delayed initiation of both early intervention and special education services occurred, and the scale of this is reviewed, as well as its impact on children with disabilities. Specific services that were most likely to be impacted included those serving children with the most needs. Potential remedies for disruption are reviewed, and a case illustration of a child who experienced delayed identification of disability, disrupted service delivery, and required support to receive compensatory services is included.