Higher education, information and communication technologies and students with disabilities: An overview of the current situation

This chapter provides context for the issues discussed throughout the book to justify why the issue of students with disabilities using technology to support their studies in higher education continues to be both important and problematic. To do this, the chapter: (1) reviews current statistics regarding enrollment and success of students with disabilities in higher education; (2) examines the role and prevailing use of information and communication technologies in higher education; (3) considers the potential of the next wave of new ICTs; (4) illuminates with examples the many good, bad and terrible practices related to ICTs experienced by students in higher education; and (5) discusses the implications for future research and practice.