Sign in Subscribe
Coronaviruses

COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbates Challenges Faced by Students with Learning Disabilities

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research from the University of Manitoba has shed light on the challenges faced by students with learning disabilities (LDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study, which was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Insight Development Grant, found that students with LDs experienced significant difficulties during the transition to online learning. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with six undergraduate students from Western Canada, using a phenomenological approach to analyze their experiences. The study extracted six main themes from the interviews, with two of these themes being specific to being a student with LD.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the challenges faced by students with learning disabilities (LDs) in postsecondary education.
  • Students with LDs experienced significant difficulties during the transition to online learning, including difficulties with accommodations and access to resources.
  • The study found that students with LDs often felt isolated and disconnected from their peers and instructors during online learning.
  • The researchers identified six main themes from the interviews, including the broad impact of having LD, accommodations during COVID-19, and difficulties with accessing resources and accommodations.
  • Two of the themes, the broad impact of having LD and accommodations during COVID-19, were specific to being a student with LD.
  • The study highlights the need for educators and policymakers to prioritize the needs of students with LDs, particularly during times of crisis such as pandemics.
  • The researchers recommend that institutions provide accessible and inclusive online learning environments, including accommodations such as extra time to complete assignments and access to assistive technology.

Statistics:

  • 6 undergraduate students from Western Canada participated in the study.
  • 2 of the themes identified from the interviews were specific to being a student with LD.
  • 4 of the students reported difficulties accessing resources and accommodations during online learning.
  • 5 of the students felt isolated and disconnected from their peers and instructors during online learning.
  • The study was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Insight Development Grant.

Sources:

  • Research report: "Online Learning Is a Rollercoaster: Postsecondary Students With Learning Disabilities Navigate the Covid-19 Pandemic" (Learning Disability Quarterly, 2022).
  • University of Manitoba (official website).
  • Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Insight Development Grant (official website).

Read more