Children With Disabilities Must Be More Than an Afterthought in School Reopening

To the Editor The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, adopted in 1975, mandates that all children have a right to appropriate and free public education services. Fourteen percent of public school enrollees (7.1 million children) receive special education services. Many children served by the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act are at high risk for severe illness if they contract coronavirus disease 2019. Thus, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies this group for special consideration when reopening schools. A JAMA Pediatrics Editorial correctly asserted that issues related to school reopening were not getting adequate attention. A critical part of this planning is being proactive for children with disabilities.
Source: JAMA Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research