Students with disabilities and online learning: A cross-institutional study of perceived satisfaction with accessibility compliance and services

Distance education has grown significantly over the past two decades, and the need to evaluate and enforce online course federal accessibility standards is gaining momentum among educators, students, and legislators. The purpose of this study was to determine if students with disabilities, who are enrolled in online courses, certifications, and degree programs, are satisfied with their respective institutions’ accessibility and compliance services and with their ability to be academically successful in an online learning environment. The results of the study indicated that students with a disability perceive their disability to have a negative impact on their ability to succeed in online courses; however, the majority reported that their requests for accommodations were met. Recommendations on how institutions can take steps toward meeting all accessibility standards without sacrificing rigor and dynamic online course design are provided.

► Purpose of this research was to determine if students with disabilities are satisfied with their respective institutions accessibility and compliance services and their ability to be successful in an online learning environment.
► Results indicate that students a disability perceive their disability to have a negative impact on their ability to succeed in online courses.
► Recommendations are provided on how institutions can meet accessibility standards without sacrificing rigor and dynamic online course design.