Use of mobile phones by people with disabilities : a tool for empowerment or disempowerment?

Abstract

Around 10 percent of the world’s population, or 650 million people, live with a disability. This

number is expected to increase as the global population ages (WHO, 2006). The role of

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has been shown to enhance the

development of health, education and livelihoods. However, current disability studies lack

substantial interaction with technology (Goggin, 2006).

Our study aims to address this gap by examining the benefits that People with Disabilities

(PWDs) derive from ICT and how these benefits lead to empowerment. It also examines the

extent to which these benefits overcome barriers faced by PWDs, as specified by the medical

model and social model of disability. We conducted in-depth interviews over a 6-week period

with 25 mobility-impaired respondents in Singapore, aged between 19 to 64 years to find out the

role of the mobile phone in their lives. Findings showed that respondents used the mobile phone

differently as compared to able-bodied individuals. Also, the mobile phone afforded notable

benefits that were unique to this group. Although the benefits of ICT did overcome some barriers

that respondents faced, they were still inadequate in breaking down more critical barriers to

empowerment.