Why Accessibility in Online College Matters
When we consider online college, we tend to focus on convenience, flexibility, and affordability. But what about accessibility? In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, online education is more popular than ever. But for students with disabilities, it’s about so much more than just attending classes online.
Over the past 20 years, the percentage of college students with disabilities has nearly doubled, reaching 21% in 2020. Online learning has become a lifeline for many students, offering the flexibility to learn from anywhere and at any time.
The real question is: How accessible is that education? That’s what this article is all about.
We’ll cover what makes an online college accessible, the types of disabilities schools should be supporting, how to evaluate a school’s disability services, and, of course, we’ll dive into some of the best online colleges for students with disabilities in 2025.
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What Makes an Online College Accessible?
Accessibility is all about making sure all students, regardless of disability, can learn effectively. That’s why there are rules and regulations in place, such as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws are designed to ensure students with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else.
Here’s what you should look for in accessible online degree programs:
- Screen Reader Compatibility: If you have a visual impairment, your school’s platform must work with screen readers (tools that read text aloud).
- Captioned Video Content: Captioning helps everyone. Whether you have a hearing loss or you’re someone who learns better with visual aids, captions are key.
- Flexible Testing: For students with certain disabilities, regular timed tests just won’t cut it. Flexible testing options (like extended time or alternate formats) can make a huge difference.
- Assistive Technology: Whether it’s text-to-speech software or speech-to-text tools, assistive tech is essential. Schools that offer these resources are stepping up to ensure all students have the tools they need to succeed.
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL): This is a fancy term that just means offering different ways of learning. Some students might need to listen to lectures, while others need to read them. The best online colleges are flexible and offer a variety of learning materials to accommodate different needs.
The best online colleges for students with disabilities go beyond the minimum requirements. They’re proactive in creating fully inclusive environments where every student has the resources and support they need to thrive.
Types of Disabilities Online Colleges Should Support
Every student has unique needs, but these are some of the common disabilities that should be supported in the online environment:
Learning Disabilities
- Dysgraphia: Difficulty with handwriting, which can impact note-taking and readability.
- Dyscalculia: Trouble with math concepts and symbols.
- Dyslexia: Mixing up letters, numbers, and difficulty with spelling and spatial tasks.
- Dyspraxia: Struggles with organizing sentences and speech.
- Non-Verbal Learning Disorder: Poor motor coordination and social skills
- Schools can offer text-to-speech tools, extra time for assignments, or alternative formats to make learning smoother.
ADHD and ADD
ADHD and ADD affect attention, focus, and task organization. Students may struggle with staying on task, following through, or maintaining focus.
- Extra time for tests, note-takers, or tape recorders.
Emotional Impairments
Psychological or psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder or depression can impact focus, memory, and emotional regulation.
- Schools should provide accommodations like these to help students manage their workload without additional stress.
Hearing Impairments
Hard-of-hearing students may use hearing aids, lip-reading, or sign language, while deaf students rely on sign language interpreters.
- Note-takers, real-time captioning, and assistive listening devices.
Vision Impairments
Students with blindness or low vision may struggle with reading standard text or seeing the board.
- Online learning with screen readers, magnifiers, and other visual aids.
Mobility Impairments
Mobility impairments make tasks like walking, standing, or using hands difficult. These may result from conditions like amputation, cerebral palsy, or injuries.
- Online college disability support, like voice recognition software, or more time to navigate platforms.
How to Evaluate Disability Services at Online Colleges
How do you actually identify the best online colleges for students with disabilities? How would you know if their services are truly up to par?
- Disability Resource Center
- Does the school have a dedicated office or department that handles disability accommodations? A solid Disability Resource Center should be your first stop to learn about available services.
- How to Request Accommodations
- Is the process for requesting accommodations straightforward? Schools that make it easy to apply for accommodations and get the help you need are a good sign that they prioritize accessibility.
- Trained Staff
- Does the college train its staff in ADA compliance and digital accessibility? If the staff is knowledgeable, they’ll be able to help you navigate any challenges that come your way.
- Student Testimonials
- Sometimes the best way to get a feel for how well a college supports students with disabilities is to hear from those students directly. Look for student reviews, testimonials, or success stories from students who’ve used the college’s disability services.
- Inclusive Culture
- Does the college emphasize inclusivity in its overall culture? A school that champions diversity and inclusion is more likely to offer robust support services.
Top 5 Online Colleges in 2025 for Students with Disabilities
Here are the five top online universities 2025 for students with disabilities.
1. University of Arizona Global Campus
- Support
- The Disability Services Office offers tailored support and real-time accommodations for exams. They also provide great mental health and neurodiversity support.
- Features
- Flexible exam options
- Accessible learning platforms
- Strong focus on mental health
- Online Degrees
- They offer a variety of online programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.
- Student Feedback
- Students rave about the personalized online learning accommodations and the accessibility of course materials.
2. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
- Support
- SNHU is known for providing online degree programs with ADA compliance from the start, and they have a dedicated accessibility team available 24/7.
- Features
- 24/7 tech support
- Training for assistive tech like screen readers
- Fully accessible learning environment
- Online Degrees
- Offers more than 200 online programs, from associates to doctorates.
- Student Feedback
- SNHU is known for being one of the top accredited online colleges for disabled students—students often highlight the helpfulness of the tech support team.
3. Liberty University Online
- Support
- Liberty’s customizable learning plans and academic coaches who are trained in disability awareness make a big impact.
- Features
- Captioned lectures
- Flexible scheduling
- Robust accommodations for students with various needs
- Online Degrees
- Offers several undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Student Feedback
- Liberty’s students appreciate the personalized approach to learning and the flexibility in scheduling.
4. Arizona State University Online
- Support
- ASU is ranked high for its innovative approaches to education and accessibility. They have a team of digital accessibility specialists on staff.
- Features
- Partnerships with inclusive tech tools like Blackboard Ally
- Specialized accommodations
- Online Degrees:
- Over 200 online programs, from bachelor’s to doctoral.
- Student Feedback
- Students love ASU’s tech-forward approach and accessibility options.
5. Purdue Global University
- Support
- Purdue Global offers a full Accessibility Services Center and is especially friendly to veterans with disabilities.
- Features
- Great assistive tech
- Flexible exam formats,
- Easy access to accommodations
- Online Degrees
- Offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Student Feedback
- Known for being veteran-friendly and offering comprehensive disability services in online education.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
Aside from looking at the college resources for students with disabilities, it’s also crucial to consider the financial aspect of attending college. Luckily, there are plenty of scholarships and financial aid options for students with disabilities.
- Google Lime Scholarship: For students with disabilities pursuing a degree in tech.
- Microsoft Disability Scholarship: Aimed at students with disabilities who are looking to go into technology.
- National Federation of the Blind Scholarships: For students who are blind or visually impaired.
- Local Vocational Rehab Agencies: These can provide funding and resources, especially for students with mobility impairments.
- FAFSA and College-Specific Aid: Don’t forget to apply for FAFSA, and ask each college about additional scholarships or funding for students with disabilities.
Tips for Succeeding in Online College with a Disability
Thriving in an inclusive online college education is a two-way street. It’s all about being proactive and using the right tools.
- Ask for accommodations early. The earlier you request accommodations, the smoother the process will be.
- Use time management tools. Staying on top of assignments and deadlines can be tough. Use planners, apps, and digital tools to stay organized.
- Join online communities. Many schools offer disability-specific communities or peer mentoring groups to keep you connected.
- Ask for recorded lectures. If you need more time to review materials, ask professors if you can record lectures or access them later.
- Use assistive technology. Whether it’s speech-to-text, screen readers, or other tools, don’t be afraid to lean on technology to help you succeed.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Fit in 2025
Ultimately, the best online college for you is one that not only meets your academic goals but also provides the support and accommodations you need to succeed. Don’t hesitate to contact a school’s disability services office before enrolling to get a sense of how they can support you.