Internet Access by People with Intellectual Disabilities: Inequalities and Opportunities

TLDR

The review outlines societal inequalities faced by people with intellectual disabilities, focusing on challenges to Internet access. The study aims to examine how impairment‑related factors hinder Internet access, explore supportive strategies to overcome these barriers, and highlight the potential benefits of online engagement for self‑expression, advocacy, and friendships. The authors review current Internet access patterns, societal, support, and attitudinal barriers, carers’ perspectives on protection versus self‑determination, and propose strategies to mitigate impairments and enhance online inclusion.

Abstract

This review gives an overview of the societal inequalities faced by people with intellectual disabilities, before focusing specifically on challenges people face accessing the Internet. Current access will be outlined along with the societal, support and attitudinal factors that can hinder access. Discussion of carer views of Internet use by people with intellectual disabilities will be covered incorporating consideration of the tension between protection, self-determination and lifestyle issues and gaining Internet access. We will address how impairment related factors may impede access and subsequently discuss how supports may be used to obfuscate impairments and facilitate access. We will move on from this to critically describe some of the potential benefits the Internet could provide to people with intellectual disabilities, including the potential for self-expression, advocacy and developing friendships. Finally, strategies to better include people with intellectual disabilities online will be given along with future research suggestions.