E learning: A solution or a problem in improvement education accessibility among people living with disabilities?

Abstract

One of the millennium development goals was to achieve education for all (EFA) by the year 2015. This, however, has not been achieved yet. Adoption of E-learning is one of the avenues for attainment of this goal. Unfortunately, digital and knowledge divide (among other obstacles) have hindered effective implementation of E-learning. This paper, which is based on a literature review, explores how e-learning platforms developers have or have not considered the needs of people living with disabilities in the design of such platforms. Research has shown that E-learning platforms designers have tried to increase accessibility among people with disabilities in a number of ways. The paper discusses the extent to which these platforms have offered solutions to barriers to access among these groups and the problems which are yet to be addressed. The paper concludes by proposing use of artificial intelligence systems in providing an integral solution to these problems.