Supporting Students with Disabilities in Online Higher Education: Bridging the Transition Gap

As online learning continues to expand in higher education, students with disabilities often face significant challenges navigating support services and accommodations. Many students transition from secondary environments, where services are mandated under IDEA, to postsecondary settings where they must self-advocate and independently access resources. This shift creates a crucial gap that can impact student success.This session is designed for faculty teaching in online environments who want to better support students with disabilities. Participants will examine the transition from secondary to postsecondary education and explore how differences in service models affect student access and equity. The session will highlight the barriers students encounter and the role faculty can play to address them. Through guided student scenarios and discussion, participants will identify strategies to recognize when students may need additional support, apply inclusive practices within their courses, and connect students to institutional services. Participants will also develop a course of action tailored to their own teaching context, including modifying syllabus language, creating communication plans, and establishing referral pathways. By the end of the session, faculty will be better equipped to support student success in online higher education environments.