In a letter to the Governor, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the Assembly’s sub-Committee on Autism Spectrum Disorders, is calling for the flexibility needed to serve the educational needs of students with disabilities during this crisis. The letter follows the Governor’s decision to allow summer school classes to continue only through distance learning this year with no decision on a plan for the new school year. With regard to the decision, Santabarbara wrote, “… consider the ability of school districts to support their students with disabilities with all lessons online.” Please click here for full text of letter.

For schools with high needs special education kids, including students who are deaf or hard of hearing, students who have visual impairments, students who have multiple disabilities and some that cannot use computers independently, the transition has been especially difficult. “This population will likely not be able to receive online education without individualized supervision,” Santabarbara said in the letter.

With school buildings closed, the transition has also been difficult for parents that are not able to assist their child or loved one at home. Santabarbara also talked about his own personal experience though the COVID-19 crisis with his son Michael who has autism. “On-line instruction has been much more successful when somebody is able to work with him consistently,” Assemblyman Santabarbara wrote.

“With plans for the beginning of the new school year in the fall still undecided, if school buildings remain closed but continue to provide instruction, plans must include options and alternatives that ensure these students receive the services outlined in their individualized education or medical plans. Schools must provide students with disabilities with a "free and appropriate public education”, including on-line instruction. We have an obligation to meet this standard even under these circumstances,” Santabarbara said.