Schools are reeling from the impact of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. But what does it mean for special education, kids with learning and thinking differences, and marginalized communities? 

Hosts Julian Saavedra and Marissa Wallace discuss how they’re managing the new COVID wave as both parents and teachers. They get an update on how schools around the country are responding, with some going virtual, others staying in-person, and — in a few cases — even closing because of a lack of staff. Marissa shares about how her virtual charter school is approaching the Omicron wave and special education. And Julian shares a poignant story about a student who ran away from home and for whom in-person school is a safe place.  

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.  

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

Related resources

• Listen to a podcast on parent fears in the COVID epidemic.
• Get eight tips to help your child learn at home.
• Check out 20 learning activities to keep kids busy at home.

Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give