Supporting Students with Disabilities for Better Retention Rates

Last month, the Online Counseling Network invited me to present in a series of webinars about how colleges are using ConexED to increase student access to online counseling and advising. As a counselor/instructor for the Disabled Student Resource Center at Chabot College, I shared the following insights about how my department is using the ConexED platform to enhance accessibility, foster belonging, and improve student retention in higher education.

Eliminating Barriers With Student-Centered Technology

For students who have a disability or illness, coming to campus can be a barrier. Online counseling makes it possible for students of all abilities to participate in college support services.

ConexEd enables a more robust experience than emailing back and forth or discussing needs over the phone. The platform has many features that allow counselors to not only interact meaningfully with students but to facilitate learning. They include the following:

• Self-scheduling for online meetings. Students can self-schedule appointments for online counseling. This allows them to seek support on their terms in a location that’s best for them.
• Access from any internet-connected device. Students can connect from their computers/laptops, as well as their tablets, iPads, and smartphones.
• Collaborative tools. Students can get interactive, real-time help on documents and presentations with online highlighters, text-boxes, shapes, arrows, and more.
• Digital signatures. Students can sign forms with the counselor in the online session. When a student signs a form, their counselor is notified which form was signed.
• Chat box. Students can communicate with their counselors as if they were texting. This is a great feature if the student’s mic isn’t working or if they’re non-verbal, deaf, or hard of hearing.
• Closed captioning. Students can read the transcript of your meeting, which is especially helpful for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have learning disabilities (but everyone can benefit from this universal design tool). Although closed captioning in the platform is not completely accurate, the feature is constantly improving. To increase accuracy, I recommend using a headset with the mic close to your mouth, and making sure you enunciate.

Improving student retention in higher education is a critical priority for institutions. Supporting students with disabilities plays a significant role in achieving this goal. These students often face challenges that go beyond academics, including accessibility barriers, limited resources, and logistical hurdles. By leveraging online counseling solutions, institutions can provide equitable support, foster a sense of belonging, and significantly enhance retention rates.

How Accessibility Impacts Retention

Accessibility is a cornerstone of ensuring students with disabilities can succeed in their academic journey. Research consistently shows that students are more likely to persist when they feel supported and included in their campus community. Unfortunately, traditional counseling methods often present obstacles, such as rigid schedules, physical inaccessibility, or a lack of tailored resources.

Online counseling platforms eliminate these barriers by offering flexible, virtual access to essential services like academic advising, mental health support, and career counseling. Tools such as ConexED’s Accessibility Features are designed specifically for diverse learners, ensuring that every student can engage with the resources they need to thrive.

How Online Counseling Improves Student Retention

For students with disabilities, consistent and timely access to counseling services can make all the difference. Online platforms like ConexED’s Student Services Suite enable institutions to deliver personalized support with features such as virtual meeting rooms, real-time chat, and secure document sharing.

By making these services available online, students can access support from anywhere, whether they are balancing family obligations, managing health concerns, or addressing other challenges. This flexibility fosters a greater sense of connection, ensuring that no student is left behind and boosting retention rates in higher education.

Additionally, online counseling enables proactive intervention. With real-time data, advisors can identify students who may be struggling and offer targeted support. According to NACADA, proactive advising strategies significantly improve student retention in higher education by addressing challenges before they escalate.

Technology as a Driver for Higher Ed Retention

The integration of technology into counseling services provides actionable insights that help institutions better support their students. For example, platforms like ConexED collect data on engagement trends, service utilization, and student outcomes, giving advisors the tools to refine their approach.

Organizations like EDUCAUSE emphasize that data-driven decision-making is essential for improving retention rates in higher education. By understanding how and when students use support services, institutions can allocate resources effectively and implement strategies that drive long-term success.

Retention Starts with Equitable Support

For students with disabilities, access to counseling services isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity for achieving academic success. Online counseling ensures students have the tools and support needed to overcome challenges and stay on track. Addressing the unique needs of these students creates a more inclusive environment that prioritizes student retention in higher ed and overall success.

ConexED’s Accessibility Features empower institutions to deliver the accessibility and support that students need. Features like the virtual lobby, real-time scheduling, and secure communication tools help remove barriers and ensure students feel valued and supported throughout their academic journey.

Expanding Online Counseling at Chabot College

When I started at Chabot College, only two counselors were using ConexED to counsel students. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with my DSPS director to expand our online counseling services.

I’ve recently been working on proposals for conference presentations to demonstrate this new way of working with our student population online. I’ve also presented at campus-wide committee meetings, Flex-day, training activities, and have collaborated with other campus departments that want to start using ConexED.

My goal at Chabot College is to help the whole campus replicate on-campus services for an online environment. This will expand services for every student, while providing more equitable access to students of all abilities.

As an educator in post-secondary education, I understand that technology is the way of the future. With ConexED, I can eliminate barriers and do more to help students with their personal and academic growth.

Take Action to Improve Retention Rates

Supporting students with disabilities is essential for enhancing student retention in higher education. By adopting online counseling platforms like ConexED, institutions can provide equitable, accessible support that drives student success.

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