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Do you think that the disabled community has been uniquely impacted by the digital media evolution? For example, are there unique characteristics of social media that make it more/less accessible than traditional offline communities? How has your life specifically been impacted by sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc? Are there any ways that social media needs to adapt to address the unique needs of their disabled audiences?
Anthony Reuter
Being disabled can be scary and sometimes lonely. It has become less so, however, over the past few years as a result of social media. Websites like Facebook and Twitter are the most popular, and I have to admit that I am on them several times a day. These sites are great to stay connected with my friends and family. I use these sites like everyone else and for that reason I don't feel so different. I post pictures and videos, I follow what my friends aredoing and I connect to different interest groups.
Social media gives me the ability to fit in, but it also gives me the opportunity to stand out, speak out, and get involved in things that matter to me as a disabled person. For example, my power soccer team recently held a fundraiser. I was able to use Facebook to let people know about this great sport for the disabled and raise more money. With Twitter, I am able to keep my friends and family updated on power soccer events as they happen so everyone can feel involved. Using social media can give disabled people many opportunities that would otherwise not be available. However, excessive use of social media can have a negative impact on the disabled.
Too much social media is not a good thing. Using sites like Facebook and Twitter can give disabled people something to hide behind. Rather than choosing to go out into the community for meetings and social events, social media can provide all of these things in the comfort of a person's own home. For severely disabled and homebound people that's a great benefit, but for people who can get out, social media gives them the opportunity to choose between face to face or virtual interaction. Being disabled, I know it takes more effort to go out and be active in the community. I feel social media makes it too easy for people like me to make the choice for not going out.
I would like to see more groups that are using these sites to help bring people together in real life, face to face activities. I think a great start would be an accessible ride share application for online and handheld media devices. A ride share application hat gives realtime availability of handicapped buses, cabs, and even private drivers that are available and when they are going can help get people out into the community. I also see the application being able to tell wheelchair users when and where there are issues such as blocked sidewalks or broken elevators to the subway. Both are issues that significantly affect the disabled.
There are many great things about social media that are beneficial to the disabled. Social media can be a great tool when combined with other social outlets. Everyone, disabled or not, has to remember that there can be too much of a good thing and make an effort to stay involved in life.
