E-Learning Accessibility Model: A Culture of Collaboration and Outcomes Assessment

Using data from 22 in-depth interviews with e-learning accessibility researchers, disability specialists, instructional designers, higher education administrators, and disabled current and former higher education students, a strategic model of e-learning accessibility for disabled college students is developed. Collaboration, including interviews with experts and students, provided an underlying fabric in this study and highlights the need for interdepartmental and interdisciplinary support and communication when developing an accessibility culture. In understanding the opinions, perceived needs, and outright demands of experts and students on the topic of e-learning accessibility, a grounded theory approach resulted in a spectrum of views that was instrumental in developing a framework of which nascent e-learning programs could utilize as a new foundation and established e-learning programs could implement as an inherent aspect of the institution’s culture. Recommendations—including developing e-learning accessibility as part of the culture of the institution, with a focus on collaboration, program evaluation and outcomes assessment—are presented.