Special education teachers have been using School-Connect for years with students receiving support services for emotional or behavior-related IEPs and physical and/or cognitive challenges. The multiple modalities of learning (auditory, visual, kinesthetic, interactive) help students connect to the message and practice social and emotional skill-building. School-Connect is used at several different schools for the deaf and includes closed captions with all videos. The slide photos, illustrations, and Teen Voices videos include deaf students signing, and students with Downs Syndrome and physical disabilities.

School-Connect’s focus on social and emotional skill building is a natural fit for students with special needs, particularly for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Teachers working with special needs students report they use most of the lessons with few or no modifications but that the lessons may take longer than the time codes suggest. Special education teachers may need to break down some of the concepts and activities, using more tangible vocabulary and examples. With the right pacing, special education students connect with the subject matter and gain confidence in managing their emotions, improving social skills, and building meaningful relationships.