Decatur Parent Says Online Learning Poses Challenges For His Son And Other Students With Disabilities

A Georgia parent recently started a petition calling on Gov. Brian Kemp to resume in-person instruction for students with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

On Monday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Todd Hartle, who started the petition, told host Rose Scott online learning has been a challenge for his son Wyatt, who has Down Syndrome. Wyatt is in the fourth grade at City Schools of Decatur.

“He’s not a virtual learner or a digital learner. Being in person, having that multi-sensory aspect to it, you lose a lot of that,” Hartle said.

It’s a challenge parents across the state and country are facing. At the time of Monday’s broadcast, the petition had gained more than 3,000 signatures.

During the program, Hartle shared how he thinks state officials and school leaders could better serve students with disabilities during this time, and how his family is adapting to an unconventional school year.

Guest:

• Todd Hartle, a local parent of a student with Down Syndrome

To hear the full conversation, click on the audio player above.

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