Learning Disabilities and Online College

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Updated October 19, 2023

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Students with learning disabilities can receive various accommodations, services, and assistive technologies to aid with their online studies.

Students with learning disabilities face unique challenges that can impact their academic success. According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, 18.1% of students with learning disabilities drop out — a rate nearly three times the 6.5% dropout level for all students.

Specialized resources can help students with a learning disability succeed without isolating them from their peers. Among K-12 students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 7 in 10 spend 80% of their time in general education classrooms. This trend toward positive classroom inclusion for students with learning disabilities extends to traditional and online college programs.

Read on to learn how online colleges support students with learning disabilities and how to access this support.

Common Learning Disabilities for College Students

Learning disabilities create specific deficits in learners who otherwise thrive in academic settings, making some aspects of college life more challenging.

For instance, a student with dyslexia may understand course content intellectually, but struggle to spell or organize words. Similarly, someone with oral/written language disorder may recognize individual words perfectly, but have difficulty processing a paragraph.

Because learning disabilities create deficits, they can slow students down, making it difficult for them to maintain the same pace as their peers. This can erode a learner's confidence over time and increase the likelihood that students with learning disabilities will not complete their degrees. Fortunately, access to help can address these deficits and put degree-seekers on the path to success.

Online College for Students With Learning Disabilities

Advantages

  • Online learning can occur in an asynchronous learning environment, where enrollees receive abundant time to process course materials at their own pace.
  • Because online learning takes place on a computer, students can augment course materials with assistive software in real time and on the same screen.
  • Online learning takes place in the comfort of one's home, which relieves stresses related to commuting. People with learning disabilities sometimes experience issues with executive function — such as making in-person meetings on time — and sensory overload, which can both be mitigated online.

Obstacles

  • Most online courses are heavily text-based, as opposed to the lectures and verbal conversations that characterize in-person courses. This can present significant challenges for people who live with reading-comprehension- or text-based learning disabilities, like dyslexia.
  • The visual layout of an online course can sometimes include distracting or confusing graphics or text elements, which can cause problems for learners with deficits in processing words or visual information.
  • Large online courses can feel impersonal. With limited one-on-one interaction with the instructor, students may find it hard to connect with course material and stay focused.

Finding The Right Online Program

Students should directly ask their prospective schools about the resources they offer for individuals with learning disabilities. Assertive self-advocacy goes a long way.

A strong online program for students with learning disabilities will offer free access to assistive software, online tutoring, and similar resources, through either student services centers or disability services departments. You may want to check out as Landmark College, a private school founded exclusively for students with learning disabilities, attention disorders, and autism. Even if you don't choose to enroll, you'll get a better sense of what accommodations to request at other institutions.

When shopping for an online program that meets your needs, you should carefully consider factors that affect your learning experience.

  • Delivery Format: Self-paced, asynchronously formatted online learning is often the best choice for students with learning disabilities because it allows them to engage with materials at their own pace.
  • Access to Assistive Software: Ask your instructors about assistive software that can address any challenges with course delivery format for your learning disability. For example, you can request text-to-voice software for reading-intensive courses or transcripts for lecture-intensive programs.
  • Class Size: In overly large online courses, you may find it difficult to receive the one-on-one attention you need from your professor.

Accommodations

Online colleges' accommodations for students with learning disabilities can include assistive software, extended deadlines, and tutoring support. Assistive technology in particular has made significant strides in augmenting students' learning experiences.

Here, we provide an overview of common support resources for learning disabilities that you can expect from online colleges.

Disability Resource Center

When it comes to accessing accommodations, it's best to start with your school's disability resource center. Here, you can work with disability counselors to understand your learning disability and determine what accommodations you'll need. Disability counselors can provide resources, connect you with other groups and services on campus, and help with advocacy.

Counselors can also help you find and apply for scholarships and funding to aid in your education or help you acquire assistive technology. Some schools provide assistive technology directly through their resource centers. Disability resource centers are also the best place to start if you need to report a grievance concerning discriminatory or exclusionary practices.

Additional Time

The standard time limits on essays and exams can place undue stress on students with disabilities -- especially learning or cognitive disabilities like ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia.

To overcome this extra challenge, both online and on-campus students with disabilities can petition the professor for an additional time accommodation. This usually requires a documented request from the campus disability resource center, and the amount of additional time granted varies by circumstance.

Online Library Services

Though they aren't strictly "disability accommodations," students living with disabilities often find online library services extremely useful, as they offer materials in a variety of formats and are accessible from home. Unfortunately, many learners are unaware of these resources.

The best first step in conducting research is to consult a research librarian. They can discuss your project with you, help you navigate useful databases, and instruct you in using search techniques and filters. Contact your school's library for more details.

Online Tutoring Services

Tutoring sometimes flies under the radar as a physical learning accommodation, but students find these services especially useful when learning disabilities make it difficult to keep up with the pace or instructional approach used in their courses. Tutors help adapt material and can fill in the gaps.

Tutors come in every subject, and many colleges -- especially those offering a lot of online programs -- provide online tutoring services through chat or live video platforms. Online writing centers are particularly helpful; there, writing tutors work one-on-one with you at all stages of the writing process, offering feedback and assistance.

If you need any kind of help wrapping your head around a subject, don't hesitate to contact a tutor.

Assistive Technology

While traditional college comes with a certain degree of in-person accountability and support, online college can be more hands-off, leaving you feeling adrift. Guidance from assistive technologies help fill that gap, especially if you have a learning disability that makes online study more challenging.

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Math Assistance

If you're in a four-year college program, you will have to take at least one math course. If you live with dyscalculia or ADHD, math courses can be intimidating. Fortunately, math assistance tools can help, whether you're taking one algebra course or pursuing a full-blown Ph.D. in mathematics.

Tools

MathTalk makes a variety of helpful programs for students struggling with math. These software programs provide tools like speech-to-text software, which allow students to learn mathematical concepts and complete assignments on their own terms. Available for iPhones and iPads, the MyScript calculator allows you to draw mathematical equations on your touchscreen device. The app interprets your drawing and performs calculations off of it, which can be more disability-friendly than a standard calculator. Talking calculators announce numbers, answers, and functions as the user completes equations. Several companies produce these calculators, each with their own variations designed to offer specialized assistance.

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Productivity and Organization Tools

Some students face challenges with organization and productivity, especially amid the distractions of smartphones, social media, and streaming services. Learners who have trouble creating effective plans and staying on task can use the following tools, some of which focus specifically on those living with ADHD.

Tools

For people on the go, Any.do is a free app that allows users to organize and sync plans across multiple devices. Sometimes, you need to step back and take care of yourself. Breathe2Relax is a free app that helps you remember to take time for self care and stress management. Edison is an email assistant app for Apple devices that helps you stay on top of your inbox. Available for iPhones, Finish is a productivity app that helps you manage to-do lists, calendars, and goals so that you can get things done. Designed for people with learning, developmental, and cognitive disabilities, First-Then Visual Scheduler organizes and prioritizes tasks, then walks users through them to ensure they meet goals and obligations. Available for many different mobile devices and operating systems, MyStudyLife combines productivity and organizational tools with study assistance, allowing you to sync and keep track of assignments, exams, and your study schedule. Available for Apple devices, Say It & Mail It Pro allows you to manage, dictate, and send emails through voice commands. Designed for use with multiple operating systems and browsers, Symbaloo is a web app that allows users to create a personalized Internet desktop that utilizes symbols and visual cues. Never underestimate the power of a strong graphic organizer. If you're in a hurry to get organized and get to work, the 5 Second Journal takes a new-school approach to an old-school tool. For many people, working for hours on end is actually counterproductive. We often perform better when working in short, defined time frames. Time Timer produces several products, including apps, programs, and analog devices, that offer visual, easy-to-read methods for timing activities. Sometimes, you need the power and capabilities of a full desktop computer rather than what's available through a tablet. Touch screen monitors for desktop computers offer the power of a computer with the interface of a tablet. Designed specifically to assist people with cognitive disabilities, Visual Impact 3 offers a visual support system that aids users with difficult daily tasks. Available for many devices and operating systems, Wunderlist helps keep track of schedules, due dates, and obligations.

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Reading Assistance

College requires a significant amount of reading, which can include strange, new, or complicated terms. While some learners love reading, others may struggle. If you have difficulties with reading comprehension, deciphering pronunciation, or staying focused, consider the following tools.

Tools

Available by monthly subscription, Audible provides access to the largest selection of audiobooks anywhere, all accessible through your computer or mobile devices. You can also find audiobooks through sites like Libro.fm, which supports small businesses. ClaroRead can read digital and paper documents -- if scanned with optical character recognition (OCR) technology -- with high-quality, human-sounding speech. ClaroRead can read selections of text or entire documents, and it also offers writing assistance. HowJSay is a free, online, easily accessible pronunciation dictionary. Intel Reader was designed by a dyslexic Stanford graduate. It allows users to quickly scan any document, save it, magnify it, and listen to it aloud. This tool is great for required reading in college, along with day-to-day use. Designed specifically for people with dyslexia, Learning Ally provides access to a large database of audiobooks, including college textbooks. Members sign up with annual subscriptions. With several programs available, NaturalReader provides text-to-speech software that can handle many different document formats, including OCR and web documents. When combined with text-to-speech software, OCR technology can help students overcome reading disabilities. Online OCR allows you to convert image PDFs to OCR format for free. If you can get it in a PDF, vBookz PDF Voice Reader can read it to you. vBookz also incorporates other useful apps, including an OCR scanner, making virtually all text accessible in an audio format. Available for Apple and Android devices, the Voice Dream Reader converts a wide range of document types into audio, so users can listen to and follow along with text.

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Speech Recognition Software

Many students can benefit from speech recognition software — not just those living with disabilities. Having the option to dictate writing to your computer can make a huge difference for students who have trouble sitting still and focusing on a computer screen or reading text on a computer. Below are some useful speech-to-text software options.

Tools

All iOS devices include dictation software, with newer devices offering even better features. The process for enabling Apple Dictation differs among devices, so look up what's available on your personal tools. Dragon is a family of speech-to-text products that use speech commands to operate computers. If you have trouble focusing on a computer screen or reading computer text, you can dictate an entire paper with this Dragon instead. Moreover, you can program specific commands that allow you to navigate your computer hands-free. Google Docs includes a dictation function for writing papers. The platform also comes with some voice commands. Users need a free Gmail account to access Google Docs. Windows devices offer speech recognition functions for dictating writing and using hands-free navigation methods.

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Study Assistance

Studying can be uniquely challenging for people with learning, developmental, and cognitive disabilities. The following tools can help you find a productive study method and establish a routine.

Tools

Extra useful for keeping notes, this smartpen records writing and audio and transfers it to your computer. Its features can help you study by recording and organizing your in-class notes, allowing you to easily revisit anything you may have missed. Merit Software Solutions offers specialized learning programs that aid with reading, writing, vocabulary, and mathematics. Merit is great for both students and working adults. MindNode offers note-taking and study assistance through an intuitive visual interface, which is available for all operating systems. The program helps students organize information in a format that suits their needs. Available for Apple devices, SoundNote is a note-taking app that allows you to type, draw, and create audio recordings while taking notes.

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Writing Assistance

All college students must complete writing assignments. Use these tools to improve your skills and grow as a writer.

Tools

This predictive text software is similar to what you might find on a smartphone. It helps write documents by predicting and suggesting words. Made by the same group behind Co:Writer, Draft:Builder helps you through the writing process, walking you through outlining, note-taking, and draft-building. Endeavor Desktop Environment reorganizes your computer desktop into a more streamlined and accessible layout. Especially useful for individuals living with dyslexia and dysgraphia, Ghotit Real Writer and Reader goes above and beyond a simple spell check. This software provides corrections for severe grammar and spelling issues, as well as an integrated dictionary, Google Docs editing, and text-to-speech functions. The suite of programs available from goQ include wordQ and speakQ, which are speech-to-text and predictive text technologies designed to help students with writing. Grammarly offers spelling and grammar editing assistance through its Google Chrome app, which is free. Available for Apple devices, Voice Dream Writer aids the writing process by offering proofreading and text reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Students With Learning Disabilities Succeed in College?

Students with learning disabilities should not be discouraged from pursuing degrees. Every year, thousands of degree-seekers with various learning disabilities graduate from college, made possible by the right resources and support services.

What Are the Main Types of Learning Disabilities?

There are five main types of specific learning disability:

  • Dyscalculia: difficulty with mathematics
  • Dysgraphia: difficulties with fine motor skills
  • Dyslexia: difficulty with reading and spelling
  • Non-verbal learning disabilities: difficulty understanding nonverbal cues
  • Oral/written language disorder: difficulties with written and oral comprehension

Which Colleges Are Best for Students With Learning Disabilities?

When shopping for colleges that suit your needs, explore those with smaller classroom sizes and ample resources for students with disabilities. There are some colleges, like Beacon College, that focus exclusively on serving students with learning disabilities, so that's a great place to start your research and get a sense for what's possible.

Can You Do Online School With an IEP?

According to the law, IEPs do not carry over from high school into college, even for online degrees. Instead, colleges must provide accommodations for students with learning disabilities. However, accessing those accommodations for online college courses usually requires students to self-advocate.

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