| Students pursuing on online bachelors degree have | | | | are bedridden or have psychological limitations, can |
| always tended to be from a different demographic | | | | also benefit from online schooling. The mental |
| than the standard college student. In recent years | | | | stimulation and sense of accomplishment can be |
| there has been an increase in the number of individuals | | | | particularly profound for those who are frustrated daily |
| with limited mobility or various handicaps who have | | | | by the limitations on their ability to interact with the |
| signed up for online educations. | | | | world at large. Online bachelor's degree programs |
| There are a number of reasons for this, but all of them | | | | open doors for them that were closed a generation |
| are signs of increased awareness that individuals with | | | | ago. |
| physical disabilities or limitations of any kind can | | | | Thirty years ago, it was felt that persons with physical |
| certainly excel in a learning environment that is more | | | | disabilities were limited as to what they could do for a |
| comfortable for them and that presents fewer | | | | living. Fortunately, attitudes toward those who have |
| obstacles in terms of their mobility limitations. | | | | certain limitations have changed drastically. Most |
| Although there are federal laws requiring proper | | | | people with physical disabilities can find rewarding |
| accommodation of those with disabilities (wheelchair | | | | careers because they have access to computers and |
| access, etc.) at colleges and universities, there are still | | | | the Internet. They can work from home, from their |
| complications for many who would like to attend | | | | beds or virtually anywhere. To get started on these |
| school. Carrying books, getting from building to building | | | | careers, many of these individuals get online bachelor's |
| and braving inclement weather can all be difficult. | | | | degrees as their first step toward independence. |
| Classrooms can also be uncomfortable with those | | | | Another group that is traditionally less mobile is senior |
| who have arthritis, MS or other health problems. | | | | citizens. While disability or illness accounts for some of |
| Pursuing an online bachelor's degree gives individuals | | | | this, it is also a fact that some seniors lose mobility |
| with disabilities or limitations the ability to create or | | | | because of simple aging. They can no longer drive or |
| modify their learning environment for more comfort. | | | | are living in assisted living facilities and just don't have |
| For those with back problems, chronic pain or severe | | | | available transportation. Active senior citizens are now |
| arthritis, changing position, getting up to stretch and | | | | enrolling on online colleges and universities to pursue |
| laying down for breaks can all be helpful. While it would | | | | degrees for the sheer pleasure of learning. Many have |
| be disruptive in a normal classroom, it is fine when you | | | | worked hard all their lives and are now taking classes |
| are studying online because you are pacing yourself | | | | that interest them, the kind of things they always |
| and not interrupting a lecturer or teacher. | | | | wanted to learn but never had the time for. |
| Being able to work on their own schedule and pace | | | | Online colleges and universities are responding to the |
| themselves is a great advantage for students with | | | | varied needs of students by offering more degree |
| disabilities or physical restrictions. They can also | | | | programs every year. Students with disabilities or who |
| arrange their home study space to suit their needs and | | | | cannot get to a traditional campus will find that pursuing |
| avoid missing classes because they aren't feeling well | | | | an online bachelors degree or certification is an ideal |
| or because they are at a disadvantage in a lab or | | | | solution. Everything they will need is right there on their |
| classroom. | | | | computer. |
| Those who are housebound, whether because they | | | | |