| Several factors impact successful course completion for college students with learning disabilities (LD), and historically, attrition rates have been high for this group of students. This qualitative case study examined (a) how students with LD experience and describe their pursuit of higher education in the online learning environment and (b) the factors that influenced their successful course completion. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit 6 students to participate in this study. Data were collected through individual interviews, a demographic survey developed by the researcher, and academic transcripts. Analysis of data was guided by disability theory, which contends that individuals with disabilities face barriers imposed by society, that disabilities are a form of human variation, and that voice is needed to deconstruct barriers, along with overarching themes of faculty, student, and institution-related issues. Findings pointed to institution-related issues as presenting the greatest barriers. These findings yielded valuable information to share with a local university about the needs of students with LD learning online, presented as a white paper. This information may reduce barriers for students with LD pursing online learning and, subsequently, improve their odds of having increased opportunity for positive outcomes such as obtaining employment with better pay, and having higher levels of independence. |
