As more students with disabilities begin to access coursework through online systems, disability service providers are realizing the need to re-think why they have traditionally done what they have done for students – and whether doing it the same way will work for the online learner.

While everyone agrees that online learners with disabilities should have the same level of support (and, thus, access) as their counterparts in more traditional learning settings, thinking through how to make that happen seems mind-boggling.

• We have traditionally stressed the importance of getting to know our students individually through direct interaction, thus preparing us to determine how best to accommodate. What to do, then, for the online learner whom you will never meet face-to-face?

• We have spent years cultivating working relationships with other units on campus (from residence and dining, to admissions, to physical plant) so that we could rely on those colleagues to help us make things happen in a timely and effective manner. How will that help us in serving a student who never sets foot on campus? Who are our new allies, and how do we reach them?

• We have strong feelings about the importance of students taking responsibility for their own learning/accommodations. How will our traditional notification and negotiation process play out in a virtual world where the student never meets the professor face-to-face, and all communication is electronic?

• How accessible is the learning management system being used? Who has the authority and responsibility to make changes in the system/usage if we find problems?

If you find all these questions (and the others you are envisioning!) a little overwhelming, perhaps you should consider hiring a consultant. If your workload is growing exponentially with the addition of online learners, but the institution has not provided additional resources to help you accomplish your task, perhaps you should consider hiring a consultant. If you are looking for someone to sort through the issues, develop a plan of action, and set some priorities in helping to expand your coverage of/to online learners, perhaps you should consider hiring a consultant.

Dr. Jane Jarrow, President of DAIS, has emerged as a leader in thinking through how, when, and why we must consider new approaches and new responses to assure quality service and full access to students with disabilities in online learning. Her expert “Distance Matters” Consultation can help your institution find the best way to embrace the educational potential of new technologies while assuring the equitable discharge of its legal responsibilities to students with disabilities.

To discuss the scope of work that might be appropriate for your institution through such consultation, contact Jane Jarrow or by calling (614)481-9450 V/T.