Technology and social media have a huge impact on a person’s ability to connect with others. It provides us the opportunity to connect with more people who have the similar viewpoint, passion and even issues and concerns regarding things that matter to us. More importantly, it has provided people with disabilities a platform to display their presence and inform others about what affects their quality of life wherever they are in the world.
Social Media for the Disabled
Through the Internet, people with disability have an opportunity to be connected in a way that we have not seen before. It gives them the opportunity to be associated not just with other disabled users, but also with family, friends, employers, co-workers and even schools. This is a great opportunity for them to be part of a wider community as a whole whilst interacting on what in theory should be a level playing field.
People with disabilities of all ages, are using social media as a means to connect with people who share their life experiences. These platforms also provide them the opportunity to spread awareness about the issues they face every day and what life is like with a disability. Although social networking is usually associated with interacting with others and searching for information, it’s no longer just a web of data, but a web of people with shared thoughts, interests and needs.
With the worldwide adoption of the mobile phone as the preferred device for accessing the Internet, social networking has become much more personal especially to people with various limitation levels. Users with disabilities also have multiple devices and connect to their social networks of choice across these devices. These advancements have broken down barriers and have opened doors when it comes to communication, therapeutic progress and educational enhancement for children and adults with disabilities.
For instance, the creation of mobile apps on tablets and smartphones has offered a way for those who are not able to use their voice to use touch-and-speech technology. Individuals who are hard of hearing can also download applications which are designed to increase the volume for easier listening.
Physical therapists and teachers from companies offering disability services in South-West Sydney are also using inventive ways to integrate the use of technology and applications into their communications to those with physical, cognitive, and learning disabilities. These techniques have increased an individual’s ability to improve and develop fine motor skills.
With the advances in the tools we use to communicate and interact, social media aids in bridging the gap between those with disabilities and those who are able-bodied, in addition to allowing people with disabilities to connect with others who share their conditions.
Despite the fact that the accessibility of social media tools still require upgrading, it’s very encouraging that it will improve for individuals with disabilities so that they can still participate in social media and connect with others.