This module on legal obligations exposed me to series of policy issues on students with learning disabilities. For instance, students transitioning from IDEA to Postsecondary online education.
Policy Summary: Supporting Students Transitioning from IDEA to Postsecondary Online Education
Students entering higher education after receiving services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) experience a significant legal and procedural shift. In K–12 settings, IDEA guarantees a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), requires school-initiated identification of disabilities, and mandates individualized services through an IEP. In contrast, postsecondary institutions—including online learning environments—are governed primarily by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which focus on nondiscrimination and equal access rather than guaranteed educational outcomes.
Under ADA and Section 504, responsibility shifts to the student to self-identify and request accommodations through the institution’s disability services office. Online instructors are required to implement approved reasonable accommodations but are not obligated to modify essential course requirements or lower academic standards. Institutions must ensure accessibility of digital platforms, instructional materials, and communication tools to prevent discrimination in online environments.
Online learning institutions are legally obligated to:
Provide equal access to programs and services.
Offer reasonable academic accommodations unless doing so would cause undue burden or fundamentally alter a program.
Ensure digital accessibility of course content and learning management systems.
Maintain confidentiality of disability-related information.
Establish grievance and due process procedures.
Prohibit retaliation against students who request accommodations.
Effective policy implementation requires proactive course design, collaboration with disability services, and clear communication regarding accommodation procedures. By prioritizing accessibility and compliance, online institutions can both meet legal standards and foster inclusive learning environments.
