ERIC Number: EJ1367983
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Mar
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1354-4187
EISSN: EISSN-1468-3156
Available Date: N/A
'Now That I Am Connected This Isn't Social Isolation, This Is Engaging with People': Staying Connected during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Spassiani, Natasha A.; Becaj, Mojca; Miller, Clare; Hiddleston, Andrew; Hume, Aaron; Tait, Stephan
British Journal of Learning Disabilities, v51 n1 p99-110 Mar 2023
Background: The COVID-19 global pandemic has put adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities at greater risk of being socially excluded due to physical distancing. Technology has been looked at as a tool for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities to stay connected, however, little is known about this topic. The purpose of this study was to explore how a grassroots disability organisation used technology to help adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities feel socially connected during the pandemic. Methods: Data were collected through questionnaires, attendance records, and field notes; and analysed through trend and thematic analysis. Findings: Four main themes emerged from the data: active leadership, mental wellbeing, technology/digital inclusion, and safety. Conclusion: These findings suggest that when participants overcome technological barriers they found it easy to socially connect online during lockdown.
Descriptors: COVID-19, Pandemics, Adults, Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disabilities, Interpersonal Relationship, Leadership, Mental Health, Well Being, Computer Mediated Communication, Information Technology, Safety, Social Isolation
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A