Cerebral palsy and online social networks

Abstract

This study qualitatively explores the experiences and challenges faced when people with cerebral palsy use online social networks. Fourteen interviews were carried out consisting of participants with different types of cerebral palsy. The study identified the reasons for use and non-use and also discovered key themes together with challenges that affected their experiences. For example abrupt and frequently changing online social networks were reported to slow down or prevent use. In spite of this, the study recognized the technology is a vital way for these people to communicate and would continue to play a crucial role within their lives.

Applying a critical approach to investigate barriers to digital inclusion and online social networking among young people with disabilities

“…For adults with a disability, the relatively high cost of AT can discourage Internet use (Vicente & Lopez, ). Many young adults with cerebral palsy have described how slow text input and poor interface features of AT act as barriers to Internet use (Lewis, ). However, students with a physical disability can experience restricted participation in computer‐based educational activities regardless of whether they use AT (Lidström et al, ).…”

‘They think I’m really cool and nice’: The impact of Internet support on the social networks and loneliness of young people with disabilities

“…The Internet could provide an opportunity for asynchronous communication without prejudice and time pressure (Barnfather et al 2011;Lewis 2010;Raghavendra et al 2012b). The young adults with disabilities in Cooper et al's study (2009) highlighted the importance of Internet technologies in developing friendships and reducing feelings of loneliness.…”

“…A UK study asked 14 young adults with CP above 18 years of age about their experiences and challenges in using online social networking (Lewis 2010). The findings showed that the participants used primarily Facebook, for up to six hours a day at home, place of work or educational settings.…”

“Social Media has Opened a World of ‘Open communication:’” experiences of Adults with Cerebral Palsy who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Social Media

“…There is a growing body of research about disabilities and social media use (e.g., Baker, Bricout, Moon, Coughlan, & Pater, 2013;Barnfather, Stewart, Magill-Evans, Ray, & Letourneau, 2011;Lewis, 2010;Shpigelman & Gill, 2014), yet currently there is very limited research investigating whether individuals with complex communication needs use social media sites for communication, social participation, leisure, and learning opportunities. Raghavendra and colleagues, through interviews of 15 adolescents (4 with CCN, M age ϭ 14.6), found the Internet was used for a variety of reasons, including: emailing, instant messaging sites, social networking sites (e.g., Facebook) and gaming (Raghavendra et al, 2012).…”