Wiltshire, D. (2023). Understanding students with disabilities in online higher education courses and their retention (Publication No. 30485593) [Doctoral dissertation, Northcentral University]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2828109457

This study examined the experiences of postsecondary students with disabilities in online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. One assessment accommodations that students reported was extended time.

Eight students with disabilities from a small private postsecondary institution in New York participated in interviews.

Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually via online video software.

Most participants reported using their approved testing accommodations, such as extended time, for online exams when needed. Participants generally found it easy to request and receive their accommodations for online tests by emailing their professors their accommodation letters. Some students noted that taking exams alone in their rooms at home felt similar to using testing accommodations in the disability services office on campus. Overall, participants reported few barriers to receiving and using their approved testing accommodations in the online environment during the pandemic. Additional findings unrelated to testing accommodations were discussed.