Tara Fappiano
Jason Harr
Advocate, Mediator, and Litigator tarafappiano.com
Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council, SIDDC Executive Board, Chair
The number one thing to remember is that students’ needs and challenges do not disappear just because they are on summer break. In some cases, those challenges are amplified because they are not in a structured environment, with services and other supports also on a break. If you are in a role where you are working with or caring for a student with disabilities, your proactive approach to understanding the student’s needs and how you can adapt to support that student will mean everything for that child and their family.
One thing I want people to understand about supporting children with disabilities during the summer is that support should not pause just because the school year ends. Children with special needs require consistency in services, structure, and opportunities year-round. Summer should be viewed as a continuation of growth, not a gap in supports. It’s essential that parents and caregivers seek out programs that truly meet their child’s individual needs, using a person-centered approach. Every child is different, and summer programming should reflect their strengths, interests, and level of independence. For children who are more independent, inclusive programs can be a valuable option, offering opportunities to engage with peers in meaningful, age-appropriate ways while still receiving the supports they need. Summer programs are especially critical because they provide children with disabilities access to social, recreational, and community-based experiences that may not always fit into the school day. These experiences help build friendships, confidence, and life skills, allowing children not just to be supported, but to thrive.
Jon Feingold, Ph.D. Executive Director The Hagedorn Little Village School
The simple answer to this question is that there is no simple answer. Children with special needs are as diverse as any other population group. Their educational, therapeutic, social, and emotional needs are varied. There are a myriad of factors that may influence their summer needs, including age, developmental level, physical development, attention span, frustration tolerance, etc. Of course, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will prescribe the details of a summer program (class size, types of therapies and frequency/duration, educational goals, location of services, etc.), all with the goal of preventing “substantial regression” during the summer months. However, a child’s summer needs do not begin and end with this document. In over 30 years as a clinical and school psychologist in both a special needs school (The Hagedorn Little Village School) and as a private clinician, some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned have come from the parents that I’ve had the privilege to counsel. With that in mind, the one thing that I would want to impart to parents is to trust your instincts when it comes to your own children. We “experts” may know a great deal about the educational and therapeutic needs of our students, but you are the experts when it comes to the needs of your family. Never underestimate the importance of taking time to simply enjoy your children. This may mean planning a family vacation, taking a day off from work to take them to the beach, or finding time to run, laugh, and play with them. The bottom line is that childhood goes by far too fast. Taking the time to enjoy and connect with your children this summer is just as valuable as their IEP goals.
Jennifer Larsen Associate Executive Director On Your Mark, Inc.
Summertime is a break to unwind from the school year and relax, but for children with special needs, it’s also a chance for ongoing development and enrichment. Various opportunities, such as summer camps and day trips, promote physical fitness as well as socialization, whereas getting together with friends and family at home or in the community makes memories for all. Parents can work to establish traditions for their loved ones, such as annual barbecues and picnics or family kickball games! Supporting children with special needs throughout the summer can be achieved by establishing routines for the whole family to follow. This can help to limit stress related to making plans and prevent the dreaded saying: “I’m bored.” At the end of the day, finding a balance between productivity and relaxation is a worthwhile goal for all, and by taking the time to assess one’s health and safety needs as related to summer hazards such as increased heat exposure and water dangers, we can provide an unforgettable summertime experience for all children.
June 2026 | New York Family
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