Accessibility of e-Learning and Computer and Information Technologies for Students with Visual Impairments in Postsecondary Education

Abstract

Two studies were conducted in Canada to examine the accessibility of online learning resources and other forms of information and communication technology for 143 students with poor vision and 29 students who were blind. The findings of these research are presented in this article. The report suggests ways to remove barriers, open up new avenues for education, and improve accessibility.Whether in a traditional classroom setting or via online learning, information and communication technologies, such as the Internet, are pervasive. College life is full of e-learning, or technology that instructors use to help students learn. This includes things like online discussion boards to expand on classroom discussions, PowerPoint presentations, and all sorts of information and communication technologies that teachers use whether they teach their classes in a traditional classroom setting, completely online, or a hybrid of the two. These days, it's common practice for students to download course materials.Canadian Council on Learning, SSHRC, and Dis-IT all contributed to the funding of this study. Adaptech Research Network, NEADS, AQEIPS, CADSPPE, SAIDE, and AQICEBS are all partners in this project, and we are thankful to them for all of their help and participation.access course-management systems like WebCT and Blackboard; create presentations using PowerPoint; and work from specialized course websites.Online education has great promise for leveling the playing field for students with visual impairments in university courses. If a teacher has made sure that their course websites are accessible and that their students have the necessary information and communication technologies, such as screen reading and magnification software, then students with disabilities should be able to access the course materials online without assistance, even in more conventional classroom settings.