Distance Learning is a planned teaching and learning experience that uses a wide spectrum of technologies to reach learners at a distance (i.e., not on the Gallaudet campus) and is designed to encourage learner interaction and certification of learning. Distance education encompasses both live courses at locations off campus, and online courses and webinars.

Distance Learning is still new to Gallaudet; its introduction is overseen by the Office of Distance Education (ODE). ODE is working to make sure that all services available to students who reside on the Gallaudet campus are also available to online students and faculty. OSWD is working with ODE to make sure that the distant learner with disabilities has access to all appropriate accommodations, and receives, to the extent possible, the same educational, community, and support experience as on-campus students.

Students with disabilities who wish to register with OSWD are encouraged to contact the Office as soon as possible, so accommodation requests can be evaluated. Distant learners follow the same intake procedures, submitting the same forms, as resident students. All forms used by OSWD are available in online formats in the OSWD section of the Gallaudet website.