Page 292 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

University of Ruhuna ISSN: 2706-0063
Matara, Sri Lanka

The emergence of online learning platforms has brought about a significant

concern in Sri Lankan education. While online education offers advantages
like flexibility and personalised learning paths, it is essential to ensure that

students with disabilities are fully integrated into these platforms. Despite

advancements in assistive technology and universal design, challenges still
hinder the complete participation and success of students with disabilities in

online learning.

This research tackles a central issue: How can we effectively adapt and apply
the principles of enhancing accessibility and inclusion in online teaching and

learning to the unique socio-cultural and educational context of Sri Lanka? By

delving into the specific challenges faced by students with disabilities within
the Sri Lankan context, this study aims to propose customised strategies.

These strategies will address communication barriers, technological
limitations, and institutional practices that hinder accessibility. By bridging

the gap between the potential of online education and the actual experience of

students with disabilities, this research aims to contribute to creating an online
teaching environment in Sri Lanka that is genuinely inclusive and accessible.

3. Research Methodology

This study adopts a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to

examine the research problem. The aim is to gain a comprehensive

understanding of how to improve accessibility and inclusion in online teaching
and learning for students with disabilities in Sri Lanka.

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