Why Students with Disabilities Should Consider Online Study

Having a disability can make studying more of a challenge, but if you want to go to college or return to study, then you shouldn’t let your disability get in the way. Online studying is becoming increasingly popular, as colleges try to cater to a wider range of students, and if you have a disability, these courses can be a good way for you to gain qualifications whether you want to study an online nursing degree for non nurses or learn how to program computers. Here are just a few of the reasons why studying online might work for you. 

It Can Help Build Your Confidence

There can be a lot of reasons why students with disabilities may be nervous about going to college. In some cases, they may simply need a boost of confidence to help get them on track, which will help them realize that they are just as capable as other students in getting their degree. There are lots of ways you can boost your confidence at college, but in some cases, simply starting off doing online classes can show students with disabilities what they can achieve.  

You Don’t Have to Deal With Access Issues

While the Americans with Disabilities Act requires colleges to make their buildings accessible, college students still report problems with getting around campuses. This makes some students with disabilities nervous about going to college, as they may be worried about how they’ll cope getting to lectures and making their way around campus. Studying online removes this obstacle, as it’s done in the comfort of your own home. 

You Can Study a Surprising Amount of Subjects

When you think about studying online, you may assume you can only study a limited range of subjects this way. However, you may be surprised just how many subjects are now offered online, and there are more options added each year. Check out Baylor University Online, which offers online nursing degrees and much more. Because you aren’t limited by the degrees on offer, you can take your career in any direction you’d like. If you already have a degree, you could even take further courses to improve your career prospects.

It Can Be Less Expensive

Studying online is usually less expensive for a number of reasons:

  • You cut the cost of commuting
  • The fees are generally lower
  • It’s easier to work while you study, so you can cover living expenses
  • You could potentially live with your parents, rather than on campus
  • You don’t need to live in an expensive college town. You can live anywhere while you study

People with disabilities still have higher levels of poverty than the general population, and a degree can be one way of helping them out of a difficult situation. However, it can be a catch 22 if college is too expensive for them to consider. Online study opens up college to those who may not have been able to afford to go to a traditional college, or who are worried about racking up big student debts. 

You Have More Flexibility

If your disability involves a long-term health condition, then you may go through good and bad days. This could mean that while you’re able to study for a degree on good days, you may need a lot of time off, which could leave you behind. Online degrees generally have a greater degree of flexibility, since you don’t need to physically be at the campus at certain times. You can therefore fit the work in when you feel able to do so.

Your Classmates Get to Know You as a Person

Going to online college doesn’t mean you can’t meet your classmates. With video conferencing and social media, you can still get some of the college experience at home. Some students with disabilities find this to be an advantage. Getting to know people online means you aren’t defined by your disability and may find it easier to socialize. 

You Aren’t Affected by College Closures

The situation with Covid-19 has been unprecedented. It’s seen colleges across the USA have to close, which means more people are now studying for their degrees online. People with disabilities, have in many cases, chosen to self-isolate for longer as their health can be at risk if they were exposed. At a traditional college, this would mean skipping classes to stay safe. If something like Covid-19 were to happen again, your education is less likely to be affected if you’re already studying online.

It Prepares You for Remote Work

When you graduate from college, you’ll need to find a career that fits in with your life and can accommodate your needs. For many people with a disability, remote work is a great option, and has many of the same advantages as online college work. However, remote work is quite hard to adjust to and you need to learn to become self-motivated and focused on the task at hand. Doing a degree is a good way to learn these skills and also show potential employers in future what you are capable of.

You Can Stay Comfortable in Class

Some students with disabilities find it uncomfortable to sit for long periods of time in lectures. Or they may have issues that prevent them from focusing on lots of information in one go, making traditional lectures impossible. Online college allows you to stay at home, studying in your sweatpants if you like, and if you need to do things like take regular breaks or get away from your screen, you can do so without interrupting the class.

No matter what your disability, online studying could help you get back into education and help you work towards your dream career. People with disabilities are often worried about going back to college, whether it’s for practical reasons or because they aren’t sure whether they will cope. Taking some courses online, or enrolling for a whole degree can give you a confidence boost. It can even help you learn new skills and maybe take your career in a whole new direction. 

.