Usefulness and barriers of adoption of social media for disability services: an empirical analysis

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the factors that influence the adoption of social media to meet the service needs of persons with disabilities. Design/methodology/approach This study outlines the social media adoption model in disability services by using theories of persons with disabilities’ resistance, extreme-ableist expressions and exploit-ecological theories. A questionnaire survey is conducted among citizens who participate in disability-related activities. Findings The adoption of social media is influenced by disability norms, administrative and platform support. Emerging trends, such as disability politics and inclusion, are inconsequential. Research limitations/implications Results implicate that frequent sharing of disability rights perspectives and awareness initiatives can enhance social media platforms for disability services. Practical implications In regional disability services, the scope of social media is hampered by a lack of reporting capabilities and a paucity of digital content sensitive to disability. Originality/value The disability interest group reported less specialised services enabled by social media from developing nations. The current study addresses this research gap.

Exploring participatory culture among persons with disability: a case study on #stopaudism

“…Participation by persons with disabilities is believed to have a profound impact on their occupational and social aspects and the functioning of these participation spheres. Disability rights initiatives leverage social media to facilitate the individual and collective participation of people with disabilities (Alathur & Pai, 2023). This approach aligns with the principles of the social model of disability, which emphasises identifying and rectifying social and infrastructure barriers that hinder persons with disabilities from achieving independence and active participation in the community.…”

“…technology, particularly the internet, are some of the issues experienced by people with disabilities (McMorrine, 2017). Nevertheless, removing participation barriers caused by mobility impairments contributes to advancing the social model of disability within the public sphere (Alathur & Pai, 2023).…”