Running head: LAWS AGAINST DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION IN RELATION TO 1

VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION

Laws Against Disability Discrimination in Relation to Virtual Instruction

Jocelyne Espinoza

Texas A&M University – Commerce

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Laws Against Disability Discrimination in Relation to Virtual Instruction

Disabilities in education are seen in different ways. Some of the disabilities seen in a

classroom are physical or intellectual disabilities. It is a bit more difficult to know what kind of

disability a student may have in an online class.

Some schools should offer virtual classrooms for students with disabilities. For instance,

“Providing proper supports to students with disabilities in online and blended learning

environments requires the attention of all involved in the planning and execution of the student’s

educational program and plan[…]” (Deschaine, 2018). When a school makes an effort to support

every students’ needs, they show the public that they care about their students’ education and

want to give the best support possible.

There are cyber schools that were made for students with a disability. The students that

attend this type of school might need more help when navigating through the activities. For

example, “Students with disabilities in cyber schools should not receive a one-size-fits-all

program but are entitled to instruction tailored to how they learn as well as to everything set forth

in the IEP” (McInerney, 2019). By making different programs, the students are able to figure out

which kind of program would work best for their needs.

Along with these ideas, there are also some setbacks when making sure schools provide

the proper materials. There have been some trouble getting higher education schools to abide

with the requirements. For instance, “Though the Americans with Disabilities Act has clear

accessibility requirements, very rarely does anyone come knocking on college doors to find out

whether they’re abiding by the law” (Roscorla, 2016). If colleges do not want to follow the

requirements, they will not get caught unless a student with a disability sues the school for not

providing support for them.

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Since virtual classrooms are starting to become more convenient for some students, it is

important to make it accessible for students who may have a disability of any sort. If a student

has a disability it is important for the school to know that way they can make the correct

accommodations. It is also important for the instructor to keep an eye on how students treat each

other whether that be in a face to face class or an online class.

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References

Deschaine, M. E. (2018, November 27). Supporting Students with Disabilities in K-12 Online and

Blended Learning. Retrieved October 29, 2019, from

https://mvlri.org/research/publications/supporting-students-with-disabilities-in-k-12-online-and-

blended-learning/.

McInerney, M. (2019, March 11). Rights of Students with Disabilities in Non-traditional Settings.

Retrieved October 29, 2019, from https://thenotebook.org/articles/2019/03/11/rights-of-students-

with-disabilities-in-non-traditional-settings/.

Roscorla, T. (2016, January 28). The Struggle to Make Online Courses Accessible in Higher Ed.

Retrieved October 29, 2019, from https://www.govtech.com/education/higher-ed/The-Struggle-

to-Make-Online-Courses-Accessible-in-Higher-Ed.html#closeMobAd.