8 Tips for Teaching Students with Disabilities Virtually

June 6, 2023

Distance education is an effective way to meet the needs of students with disabilities—but how can educators address the challenges of virtual special education? Today’s post, excerpted and adapted from The Special Educator’s Guide to Distance Education, offers 8 tips for delivering successful special education services at a distance. Adapted from the chapter by Margaret E. Bausch and Donna Brostek Lee, these tips and strategies can help you provide high-quality remote education for students with disabilities, including physical and sensory impairments.

1. Implement a consistent, clear, and easy way for teachers, service providers, families, and students to communicate electronically. Provide a single source for accessing information across all classrooms and teachers in the school or district. Communication methods include an LMS (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, Google Classroom, etc.), school communication software, shared documents with links, email, and phone calls.

2. Design a setup that allows students and teachers to see each other, the materials, and the devices. A second camera can be used for viewing materials or devices. This is essential for tasks not easily seen by a computer camera, such as braille or manipulatives.

3. Package materials together and include directions when sending or dropping off assignments to students at home. Use organizational methods like folders, baggies, or bins to help families understand expectations.

4. Keep it simple. For students with disabilities, avoid using flashy backgrounds or lots of animation. Use simple backgrounds and limit information to no more than six bullet points.

5. Provide explicit instruction to both students and caregivers. Include clear instructions for every assigned activity and ensure they are accessible to both students and caregivers (e.g., braille, large print).

6. Use multisensory presentation of materials. Provide hands-on manipulatives that complement visual and auditory teaching methods. Encourage interactive engagement using games and other positive interaction methods.

7. Take advantage of accessibility settings on computers, tablets, and smartphones. Use device features to enhance learning, such as screen readers, text enlargement, or voice control options.

8. Teach students how to use home technology devices that enhance learning. Students can use devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home for organization and communication with teachers.

For a complete guide to distance special education services, get the book behind today’s post!

The Special Educator’s Guide to Distance Education

Adapting Your Instruction for the Virtual Classroom

Edited by Belva C. Collins, Ed.D.

This one-of-a-kind guide covers all types of distance learning from Grades PreK through 12—from higher-tech online teaching to instruction with prepared materials.