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Online education could be an excellent alternative to traditional college for students with disabilities. Though college campuses are required to be wheelchair accessible and clear of snow, some portions of older buildings prove to be more difficult to traverse for a disabled student and snow may not be cleared as quickly as necessary. Also, communication my prove more difficult for a student with a disability in a traditional classroom than in an online classroom. Therefore, some students prefer online classes to traditional, on-campus courses.
Accessibility
One of the most appealing aspects of online classes to disabled students is the ease with which classes may be attended. Students for whom travel in snow or other inclement weather may be difficult may find online courses appealing. Although colleges clear sidewalks and passes as quickly as possible during inclement weather, travel in wheelchairs may prove difficult in some places.
Additionally, accessibility in some older building may prove more difficult to a student with disabilities. All buildings should be equipped with a wheelchair accessible elevator, however, older buildings may only have one elevator in which a wheelchair could fit. This may limit a wheelchair-bound student in timing classes, especially in scheduling back-to-back classes. Online classes, of course, become more accessible to students with disabilities, enabling them to log in at any time from the comfort of their own homes.
Communication
Many people assume communication would be more difficult via the internet than on a traditional campus. However, communication is actually similar or improved in an online setting, especially for a student with disabilities. Since students in online classes communicate through e-mail, webpages, and telephone, the one-on-one help may be improved in an online course versus traditional lecture-based classes. Also, students who may not hear or speak well may be able to communicate better via the internet.
Students with disabilities may benefit from the accessibility and communication online courses offer. Snow, limited accessibility buildings, and communication become less problematic in an online setting.
