Perspectives of the
COVID
‐19 pandemic: Views of young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities
Jacqueline Paterson, Michelle McCarthy, Paraskevi Triantafyllopoulou, Glynis Murphy Abstract
This qualitative study directly engaged 46 young people (YP) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), aged 14–25, who were in education, to discover their experiences during the COVID‐19 pandemic (2020–2022). Unlike past research relying on parents or professionals, this study captured their voices directly regarding daily life, education, and relationships. The disruption of the pandemic severely impacted education, wellbeing, and connection with family and peers. Additionally, online learning proved unsuitable due to specific SEND barriers and course requirements. Overall, most individuals found the period challenging, though a small minority welcomed the changes. The majority showed resilience over time but would not want to experience it again.