The Internet and the education of students with disabilities

Issue title: The Internet and Disability

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Scadden, Lawrence A.^{; *}

Affiliations: Program for Persons with Disabilities, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Suite 815, Arlington, VA 22230, USA

Correspondence: [*] Tel: + 1 703 3061636, ext. 6865; fax: + 1 703 3060423; e-mail: lscadden@nsf.gov.

Abstract: The Internet is being used increasingly as an instructional tool at all educational levels and in most academic disciplines. Students can access exciting instructional materials from laboratories, monitor ongoing scientific experiments and events, and exchange data and ideas with other students from around the world. Students with disabilities can benefit from the use of the Internet in schools when adaptive computer technology is available and the materials being accessed and exchanged are accessible. Applications of the Internet for the education of students with disabilities that deserve special attention include: (i) collaborative learning; (ii) independent access to information and educational resources; (iii) mentoring and peer support; (iv) use of specially dedicated Web sites; (v) on-line distance education; and (vi) interaction in virtual educational environments and activities.

Keywords: Disability, Education, Accessibility, Internet, World Wide Web

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-1998-8306

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 141-148, 1998