Quality of Life for Individuals with Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

  • Shannon L. Sparks, Ph.D. (Author) California State University, San Bernardino image/svg+xml
    Shannon Sparks, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor at California State University, San Bernardino. Her research areas of interests are: Transition and PostSecondary Education, Quality of Life, English Learners, Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices, and Positive Behavior Supports. She currently teaches courses that focus on Atypical and Typical Language Development in Diverse Learners, and Methods and Procedures in Special Education. She also supports CSUSB Special Education Interns and Student Teachers. Previous to employment she work with transition-aged youth in the Clark County School District.
  • Sang Nam, Ph.D. (Author) California State University, San Bernardino
    Sang Nam, Ph.D., BCBA is a Full Professor at California State University, San Bernardino. His specialty area is Moderate to Severe Disabilities in Special Education Programs. He has published a plethora of manuscripts and book chapters in the areas of: Assistive Technology, Instructional Technology, Pre-service teachers, Universal Design, and Web-based Instruction. He has also received multiple grants and awards for his dedication and service to the field of Special Education.
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.445
Individuals with disabilities go through many transitional periods throughout their lifetime, and each series of transitional decision(s) has a direct impact on one’s quality of life. Educators and families want to see young adults experience a quality of life with opportunities to have independence, a job where they receive a paycheck, and a life where they can enhance their overall personal outcomes (Center for American Progress, 2019; Emerson et al.,1996). For some, quality of life may entail pursuing dreams, accomplishing goals, and living life to the fullest (American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 2015). Other individuals may be content with where they are at the present moment. Quality of life (QoL) for people with disabilities varies with each individual. It is different for each diverse family who has a young adult with a disability, especially when varying factors are beyond their control (World Health Organization, 2020). This manuscript will explore what quality of life is and what it means for individuals with disabilities during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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There are 30 references in total.
Sparks, S. L., & Nam, S. (2021). Quality of Life for Individuals with Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 16(1), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.445

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  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted January 2, 2021
  • Published February 15, 2021
  • Issue Winter 2021
  • Section Articles
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