Distance Learning

The University of Montana offers more and more distance learning opportunities as time and technology advance. Students, through the application of modern communications, learn from their homes or from remote classrooms. In fact, some students may never attend classes which occur at the Missoula campuses.

Distance learning, just like any other University program, requires effective accommodations and assurances of program access. However, the unique challenges of distance learning necessitate increased creativity and involvement by the student in the accommodation process. For accommodations in distance learning, DSS adheres to its over arching policies and procedures outlined elsewhere in Expect Access.

Distance learning students may contact DSS coordinators via telephone, fax, e-mail, and other means to request and arrange for accommodations.

Those accommodations which can be provided centrally through Disability Services such as production of alternative formats and letters of verification will be administered from Missoula. Other accommodations such as the provision of auxiliary aids and services may occur at the student's remote distance learning site. In some circumstances, the student may be asked to help Disability Services find the employees and volunteers needed for accommodation. Technology such as Internet utilities, software, etc. applied or provided by the University must be just as accessible to and usable by students with disabilities as it is for other distance learners. However, Disability Services denies requests to adapt a student's personal equipment if the distance learning program requires students to provide their own equipment for the program.

Some mistakenly regard distance learning as an accommodation in and of itself. Distance learning is an academic program and will not be applied as a disability accommodation for other University programs.