The featured article of today’s blog post is Gary Annable, Gerard Goggin, and Deborah Stienstra’s article titled “Accessibility, Disability, and Inclusion in Information Technologies: Introduction.” I chose this piece because I am interested in the ways that information technologies can be inclusive of those with disabilities. Annable et al. (2007) discuss the issue of the lack of inclusivity in access to digital technologies for those with disabilities. Annable et al (2007) ask “If accessibility allows more people to use technologies, so activating human rights, citizenship, and the possibilities of everyday life, why do we not see more inclusive technologies—especially in the much-vaunted realm of digital technologies?” (p. 146)
I would like to remind the reader that this article way back in 2007. This was back when I was still writing Taking Back Sunday lyrics on my converses and meticulously arranging my fringe to cover my eyes. Those were wild times.
I would like to think that we’ve come a long way in inclusivity when it comes to making technology available to those with disabilities. In this post, I would like to explore some of the ways that we in the information field have attempted to make our technology inclusive to those with disabilities. I will argue that digital inclusivity is vital in making sure that all people can access information.
There are many benefits of making digital technologies more inclusive. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) targeted towards individuals with dyslexia, as Benmarrakchi et al. (2017) discuss, can strengthen skills in reading and spelling. One program, MyLexics, helps dyslexic students strengthen alphabetic, syllables and words through reading and writing” (p. 260). Mosito et al. (2010) found that ICT targeted at specific disabilities through pathways such as text-to-speech technology and supportive e-text resulted in better reading performances (p. 7). Digital inclusivity has also shown to senior citizens populations. Wong et al. (2014) found in a SAGE study that improved computer use among elderly populations in Hong Kong improved “self-efficacy of the participants, especially in areas related to the handling of computers, and heightened their awareness that being unfamiliar with ICT would result in marginalization” (p .158).
There may, however, be dangers to individuals with disabilities where internet access is concerned. Sheehan and Hassiotis (2017) warn of the risks of digital mental health to people with disabilities. Sheehan and Hassiotis (2017) note that individuals with intellectual disabilities are more vulnerable to misinformation as well as “cyberbullying, online grooming, identity theft, and exploitation” due to mental and social impairments (p. 14). Although I agree that individuals with severe impairments may need a guardian to monitor their internet use, I still believe that it is important to make technology inclusive to all people. Furthermore, it is important to note that inclusivity is not limited to individuals with disabilities. Factors such as age and socioeconomic status also impact ICT access.
Inclusivity in ICT is vital in the digital age. Providing inclusive ICTs has improved reading skills among students with disabilities and has provided elderly populations with improved self-efficacy. Everyone should have the same access to digital platforms. Making ICTs more inclusive will help ensure access for all individuals.
References
Annable, G., Goggin, G., and Stienstra, D. (2007). Accessibility, Disability, and Inclusion in Information Technologies: Introduction. The Information Society, 23(3), 145-147, DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/01972240701323523
Benmarrakchi, F., Kafi, J.E., Elhore, A. (2017). Communication technology for users with specific learning disabilities. Procedia Computer Science, 110, 258–265. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2017.06.093
Mosito, C. P., Warnick, A. M., & Esambe, E. E. (2017). Enhancing reading abilities of learners with intellectual impairments through computer technology. African journal of disability, 6, 206. https://doi.org/10.4102/ajod.v6i0.206
Sheehan, R., & Hassiotis, A. (2017). Digital mental health and intellectual disabilities: state of the evidence and future directions. Evidence-Based Mental Health, 20(4), 1-21. doi:10.1136/eb-2017-102759.
Wong, Y., Chen, H., Lee, V. W. P., Fung, J. Y. C., & Law, C. (2014). Empowerment of senior citizens via the learning of information and communication technology. Ageing International, 39(2), 144-162. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12126-013-9185-4
Social Informatics 