Digital Inclusion for People with an Intellectual Disability

Abstract

People with intellectual disabilities face both societal and digital exclusion. This chapter focuses on the current state of evidence around the use of the Internet and Information Communication Technologies (ICT) by people with intellectual disabilities (ID). It considers the factors underpinning the digital exclusion of people with ID and the current levels and nature of Internet and ICT use by this group. It then discusses the benefits and barriers in relation to theoretical models and literature detailing the risks of being online and the role of support in facilitating and preventing digital inclusion. The chapter concludes by summarizing the current state of the research literature and highlighting areas where more research is required to increase the digital inclusion and self-determination of people with ID.