Challenges Faced by Students with Disabilities During the Ongoing Newton Teachers Strike

Last Updated on January 27, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Newton Teachers’ Strike Disrupts Education and Raises Concerns for Students with Disabilities

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Newton, Massachusetts – A recent teachers’ strike in Newton has left nearly 12,000 students without classes, affecting various aspects of their educational journey. Among the most affected are students with disabilities, who heavily rely on the support and routine provided by schools.

For eighth-grader Isaac McGinnis, who has multiple disabilities, the strike has become a major source of concern. He fears falling behind without the structure and assistance that school provides. At Bigelow Middle School, teachers’ aides, teachers, and therapists work together to provide the necessary support for students like Isaac.

While the strike puts strain on all parents, those with disabled children face an even greater challenge as they cannot depend on regular camps and activities for specialized support. Students with disabilities require a structured and supportive environment to thrive, making the absence of school particularly difficult for them.

Jonathan Swersey, a concerned parent of a neurodivergent child, worries about the strike’s impact on his daughter’s stability. The ongoing contract disputes between the teachers’ union and the School Committee have further exacerbated the situation. These conflicts have persisted for over a year, resulting in a breach of Massachusetts law that prohibits teachers from striking. Fines have already been issued and are set to increase if the strike continues.

Among the students anxiously awaiting news about the reopening of schools the next day is Isaac and his mother. They made the decision to move to Newton specifically for its inclusive classrooms, where students with disabilities can learn alongside their peers. Private inclusion schools are not an option for Isaac, making the strike an even more pressing concern for his family.

Isaac’s love for his teachers and his one-on-one aide further underscores the importance he places on education. He, like many other students, eagerly longs to return to school and experience the joy of learning alongside his peers.

As the teachers’ strike in Newton progresses, the impact on students with disabilities continues to grow. The absence of structured learning, specialized support, and a stable environment threatens their educational progress and overall development. The entire community now awaits a resolution that will allow all students to resume their studies, including those who have been most negatively affected by the strike.