Psychological Capital of Resilience for Students with Disabilities in Open Distance e-Learning Institutions post-Covid 19 Pandemic

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the risks that impacted the mental health of students with disabilities, particularly in Open Distance e-Learning (ODeL) institutions. Students with disabilities, already facing significant barriers to participation and learning, encountered additional challenges with online instruction during the pandemic. Experts in inclusive education revealed pronounced disparities in access to quality, inclusive education, as well as significant learning gaps among students with disabilities (SWD) both during and after the pandemic. Students with disabilities have suffered disproportionate educational consequences alongside health-related deprivations. This study examined how SWD were impacted post-Covid-19 pandemic and the psychological capital (PsyCap) of resilience as their protective source. The study undertook a narrative review of literature from secondary data on Google Scholar from 2020–2024. The study was underpinned by a conceptual framework rooted in the PsyCap of resilience to promote mental health and academic success in vulnerable student populations. The pandemic intensified concerns about equitable access to quality education and highlighted the limitations of support systems for SWD. The findings aim to improve adaptive coping mechanisms for these students, ensuring they are better equipped to navigate future crises through flexible learning modalities and inclusive technologies. This study underscores the critical need for resilient, inclusive educational frameworks in ODeL settings to foster the success and well-being of SWD in a rapidly changing educational landscape.