Distance Education for PWDs Wanting to go to College

written by Xyza Angelica Agoncillo – 02/19/2017

 

Distance education breaks barriers – as much as it can – and paves the way for persons with disabilities to affect changes in their life and educational background. It gives persons with disabilities the chance to study in college. Distance education is known for its open and flexible mode of teaching. It is a non-traditional delivery of instructions developed for the convenience of those who dream to obtain a higher education without the need of attending a face-to-face discussion in a traditional setting. Through distance education, persons with disabilities can study in college without worrying about waking up early in the morning, leaving their houses, and traveling for hours every day just to go to class. There are procedures implemented by an open university or institution that enable them to learn on their own and work on their requirements from home.

 

Most people use technology in their daily lives. New things and inventions are being discovered almost every day. Technology has become a big part and brought a great impact to every learner’s education. With the ever-evolving technological devices being made available, students of distance education are one click closer to starting and getting a degree. The advancements in today’s technology aid persons with disabilities in pursuing their ambitions despite their condition. Simply having a computer and an internet connection can take persons with disabilities to a different but fulfilling educational experience.

 

There is also a strong support that persons with disabilities can get from distance education and the open university or institution they would want to apply in. Sometimes, when something is not applicable because of their limited capabilities, the professors would give them exemptions. Excuse slips can also be allowed for valid reasons. It is favorable for the persons with disabilities to have such open-minded groups of people who understand their situation. They would not feel unfit or out of place around the people who works in this kind of learning environment.

 

Distance education provides persons with disabilities opportunity and hope. It also serves as a bridge to success. It would bring a whole new experience different from the traditional delivery of instructions that can be a great help to the growth of the persons with disabilities in both the academic world and the practical world. There might be some adjustments and adaptation that the students might encounter. There might also be a culture shock and nervousness for some who are just beginning. Nevertheless, it only takes time for persons with disabilities to get used to the mode of distance education.

 

 

UP Open University

 

The pioneer and leading institution in Open and Distance eLearning (ODeL) in the Philippines is University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU). You may visit their website for more information at http://www.upou.edu.ph.

 

 

 

Reference:

GOVPH. Official Gazette. Republic Act No. 10650. December 9, 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.gov.ph/2014/12/09/republic-act-no-10650/