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Inclusive Education in the Digital Era: Improving University Website Accessibility for Students with Disabilities

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  • Shanshan Shi

    (University of Calgary, Department of Communication, Media and Film, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary AB, T2N 1N4, Canada)

Abstract

One of the essential factors in designing and creating a university website is to make sure that it is accessible and user-friendly for all students. However, despite technological advances, many university websites remain wholly or partially inaccessible, particularly for students with disabilities, which consequently affects their learning and educational attainment. This article investigates the importance of accessibility of university websites and discusses practical approaches for website accessibility design. Drawing on studies from the United States, Malaysia, Latin America, and Europe, the review shows persistent accessibility challenges, ranging from limited assistive technology integration to difficulties in complying with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). To get the empirical validation, five mission-critical pages from each institution were assessed using automated tools and heuristic checks. The results show recurring WCAG 2.1 violations, such as insufficient colour contrast, missing alternative text, unlabeled form fields, and redundant links. Thus, the study develops a conceptual framework that integrates identified barriers, institutional and technical interventions, and their broader educational and social impacts.

Suggested Citation

  • Shanshan Shi, 2025. "Inclusive Education in the Digital Era: Improving University Website Accessibility for Students with Disabilities," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(3s), pages 7575-7584, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-3s:p:7575-7584
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fu, Hanliang & Manogaran, Gunasekaran & Wu, Kuang & Cao, Ming & Jiang, Song & Yang, Aimin, 2020. "Intelligent decision-making of online shopping behavior based on internet of things," International Journal of Information Management, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 515-525.
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