| Title: |
Experiences of Disabled Students in Online Education: A Systematic Review |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Sinead Lynch (ORCID 0009-0001-1983-1782); James Brunton (ORCID 0000-0001-7223-0524); Orna Farrell (ORCID 0000-0001-9519-2380) |
| Source: |
Distance Education. 2026 47(1):70-90. |
| Availability: |
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
21 |
| Publication Date: |
2026 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Information Analyses |
| Education Level: |
Higher Education; Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Students with Disabilities; Electronic Learning; Online Courses; Higher Education; Academic Achievement; Student Experience; Interpersonal Relationship; College Students; Educational Research; Psychological Patterns; Foreign Countries |
| Geographic Terms: |
Turkey; United Kingdom; Australia; Spain; Canada; United States |
| DOI: |
10.1080/01587919.2025.2562802 |
| ISSN: |
0158-7919; 1475-0198 |
| Abstract: |
A mixed-methods systematic review of the academic and psychosocial experiences and requirements of disabled students in online higher education was conducted to understand what is known and identify potential areas for improvement. Five databases were searched for full-text, peer-reviewed journal articles published in English between 2017 and 2023, focusing on students enrolled in dedicated online education courses in higher education. Preliminary searches resulted in 1229 studies, of which 14 were extracted for thematic synthesis. Five themes were found: (1) The importance of staff-student relationships; (2) Flexibility makes it easier; (3) Challenges related to disability; (4) A need for adaptable support services; (5) Isolation and stigma in peer relationships. Findings showed that while the flexibility of studying online offers an additional access route into higher education for disabled students, gaps in academic support and adaptable accommodations add additional barriers, while fear of stigma from peers creates feelings of loneliness and exclusion. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2026 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1502751 |
| Database: |
ERIC |