Are Online Tutors Required to be Accessible?

Published May 30, 2022

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in places of public accommodation. Covered Title III entities include private schools and private businesses that offer classes intended to prepare or tutor students for education. 

When free educational resources are not sufficient to help students meet academic goals, students with disabilities may find it beneficial to request additional assistance and should be able to do so with all the protections, accommodations, and accessibility provisions one would expect in public education environments.

Successful selection of an online tutor requires self-advocacy and preparation. 

We examine online educational resources and the importance of self-advocacy when interacting with online tutors. 

Selecting tutors online

In a perfect world, all websites would meet the accessibility thresholds needed for all visitors to access content without barriers. Unfortunately, a study in 2020 concluded that 98% of websites in the wild today still have accessibility barriers for persons with disabilities. 

Understanding that accessibility barriers exist is critical before subscribing or purchasing any product. While it is important that we continue to advocate that all technology offered to students is accessible, students cannot afford to wait for organizations to implement massive technology projects before completing their education and joining the workforce − the work must continue.  

Identifying organizations that have invested in accessible online platforms such as BlackBoard and Microsoft is of course the most preferred route. However, when students must press on, and accessible online tools are not an option, it is important to select a resource that offers multiple methods of instruction. 

The best services will have multiple reliable forms of communication to access their services. For example, online chat support, VOIP, virtual meetings, live operators staffing 1-800's, and text-based chat.

Before proceeding with the purchase of any online tutorial services, verify that tutors have the ability to communicate through all available channels. For students who are D/deaf or hard of hearing, this could also mean contacting the organization to confirm all tutors are trained to communicate through TRS or have interpreters on staff that can assist. 

Whatever your accommodation needs are, verify that the organization has the infrastructure in place before proceeding with a purchase. Although the organization is more likely than not required to provide accommodation, don't assume that they can or will without guidance or advocacy − verify first. 

Exam materials (and tests) are often inaccessible, so it may be best to identify resources attached to the materials you are studying first - for example, the organization that publishes your textbook may have tutoring resources available, and it may be best to start there or ask who they recommend. 

If one service cannot provide help or does not meet your needs, another service might be able to.

Still, be open to providing the organization room to accommodate if the infrastructure doesn't exist. Identify who in the organization can discuss modifications to their service and your education plan, and provide examples of accommodations you have worked with in the past. If you are using adaptive software, explain what that software is, how it works for you, and ask the organization if they are familiar with it. At the very least, your circumstances will be known. 

Disclosing your accommodation needs is the only way you can ensure you have done your due diligence. Remember that IEP information does not transfer from high school to college and online tutors have no knowledge of your accommodation needs. 

By disclosing your needs the organization may better understand how to serve you. For example, matching you with an expert who has experience in your subject and can utilize your preferred communication channel. Self-advocacy is critical at this time. 

We often go along to get along, but this does not serve you well. Your tutor cannot communicate with you effectively if they are unaware of an accommodation needed or a technical barrier you are facing. 

What to expect from tutors

Ensure you have all your books, papers, study materials, and other resources on-hand and available to share so that you can reference them when working with your tutor. 

Aside from accessibility and accommodation, seek online tutor services that have excellent reputations in the discipline you are seeking assistance for. 

Plan ahead. When working with your tutor be sure to have completed as much work as possible so your questions can be specific and concise − this is your money after all. 

Advocate for your success and share any rubrics or study materials your instructor has provided so your tutor has the best information and understands the type of guidance you need. 

Conclusion

Online tutors can be very beneficial for students. However, it is important to remember that we are all unique, and self-advocacy is key to ensuring the organization you select can provide accessible services and effective communication. Once you have selected a tutor that you believe will meet your needs, be sure to properly prepare and be as concise as possible when seeking advice for the best experience. 

 

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