One of the most frequent questions I receive is about homeschooling children with medical complexities and physical or intellectual disabilities. It’s a topic close to my heart and an experience I live every day. Long before I had children, I knew that homeschooling would be a part of my life. My experiences as a caregiver opened my eyes to the myriad reasons for choosing this educational path.
One key reason is the lack of inclusive safety measures in many schools. For families with disabled children, safety is paramount. Many schools are not equipped to include disabled children in basic fire drills, nor do they always have comprehensive emergency plans. This is one of the reasons homeschooling can feel like a safer option for many families.
If you're considering homeschooling your child with special needs, especially in light of recent events, here's where to start:
Ensure Your Child’s Safety at School
Before diving into homeschooling, it’s important to know that, if your child is attending public or private school, advocating for their safety and preparedness should be a top priority. Schools must have individualized evacuation plans for students with disabilities, but many parents don’t know to ask about them.
Discuss your child’s needs with administrators and teachers. Be clear about your child’s physical or medical requirements. Review the school’s emergency plans. Does it cover your child’s mobility limitations?
Ask questions about different scenarios:
What’s the plan for my child in a fire?
What about a medical emergency?
How will they prevent elopement?
What is the active shooter plan for children with disabilities?
Ensuring safety and preparedness isn’t just important—it’s non-negotiable.
A Heartbreaking Reality
Tragically, these concerns hit close to home recently when an 8-year-old autistic boy in our community eloped during school hours and was later found in a nearby pond. This is every mother's greatest fear, and the devastation our community feels is beyond words. This heartbreaking event has sparked an outpouring of messages from parents asking how to go about homeschooling their children with special needs. And understandably so—because safety must come first.
Starting Your Homeschool Journey
If you're new to homeschooling a child with medical complexities or disabilities, here are some key steps and resources to help you get started:
Research Your State Laws for Homeschooling
Every state has different requirements for homeschooling, so it’s important to know the specific laws in your area. I’m based in South Carolina, and we follow Option 3 for homeschooling. If you’re in a different state, make sure you understand the laws that apply to you.
Know Your Rights
You might be able to access support services through your school district, depending on where you live. If you can’t get services from your school district, look into options to get them through your health insurance plan.
Find a Homeschool Accountability Association
Your accountability association should align with your family’s educational goals. In South Carolina, we use Halfmoon Homeschool Association, which offers flexibility for families like ours. Many associations provide support tailored to families homeschooling children with special needs.
Specialized Resources
For those homeschooling children with special needs, resources like Susan Blackwell at www.homeschoolingthespecialneedschild.com are invaluable. Susan provides consulting, testing, and advice specifically for homeschooling families navigating the challenges of special needs education.
Join Homeschool Events and Expos
I encourage you to attend events like the Homeschool Special Needs Expo in 2025, which will be held in Shelby, NC, June 26-28. These events offer fantastic opportunities to network, gather resources, and learn from experienced homeschoolers and experts in special needs education.
With careful planning and the right support, homeschooling can be an incredibly fulfilling and effective way to help your child with special needs reach their full potential. While the journey may have its challenges, creating a structured, healthy environment and customizing the curriculum to fit your child's unique needs can make all the difference. Don’t hesitate to tap into the wealth of resources available, and most importantly, remember that asking for help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness. Together, you and your child can thrive on this path, ensuring their education is as rich, safe, and supportive as possible. You’ve got this!
Safety Advocacy: Not Just for Homeschoolers
While homeschooling offers a personalized and flexible environment for children with disabilities, I also recognize that not every family is able to homeschool. That’s why Through Evely's Eyes is here to help you navigate the world of homeschooling while also advocating for your child’s safety in public school settings. We believe every child deserves a safe, inclusive, and enriching educational experience, whether at home or in a traditional school environment. We will be hosting an in-depth discussion soon about student-centered curriculum options, routines, services, and aids to assist with homeschooling children with special needs. For now, know that we are here to support you and your family every step of the way. Your child’s safety, education, and well-being are our top priorities. Let's work together to ensure they have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
With love and determination,
Tameka
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