Exploring the Impact of Disabilities and Accommodation on Students’ Online Learning Experiences

Abstract

This study investigates the correlation between how learners are classified in terms of disability and their perceptions of (1) the effectiveness of online instructional methods, (2) their self-efficacy levels, and (3) the accommodations they need. Conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, the study included 278 higher education students with disabilities who participated in an online survey, with 50 of them undergoing in-depth interviews. Using an embedded mixed methods design, the research aimed to explore participants’ experiences with online classes. Data triangulation was employed to better comprehend the adequacy of accommodations and accessibility in online learning. The findings indicate that individuals with disabilities experience diverse benefits and challenges in online learning, influenced by their specific disability classifications and social contexts in which they engage with the learning environment. Further research is necessary to gain a more profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by students with disabilities in the realm of online learning.