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Communication and Empowerment: A Place for Rich and Multiple Media?
Article first published online: 21 APR 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2008.00472.x
© 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Issue
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities
Volume 22, Issue 4, pages 370–379, July 2009
Additional Information
How to Cite
Bunning, K., Heath, B. and Minnion, A. (2009), Communication and Empowerment: A Place for Rich and Multiple Media?. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 22: 370–379. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3148.2008.00472.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 9 JUN 2009
- Article first published online: 21 APR 2009
- Accepted for publication5 November 2008
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- accessibility;
- communication;
- empowerment;
- talking mats;
- technology
Background Project @pple (Access & Participation for People with intellectual disability in Learning Environments)1 was about exploring the terms on which young people with intellectual disability access and participate with e-Learning and the Web. The current study is one of a number of related studies. It explores the culture of information and communication technology (ICT) and the potential to support communication and empowerment.
Materials and Methods Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 20 young people with intellectual disability. The interviews involved a low-technology, augmentative communication method called Talking Mats (Murphy & Cameron 2002).
Findings Information and communication technology and rich and multiple media featured in the participants’ narratives and contributed to self-concept and inclusive communication. Positive value was attributed to ICT options by many, although some difficulties were expressed with regard to operational aspects of the technology.
Conclusions The lives of young people with intellectual disability provide a fertile culture for developments in this area, offering some new opportunities for communication and empowerment.