Usefulness and barriers of adoption of social media for disability services: an empirical analysis

• Published in: Transforming government Vol. 17; no. 1; pp. 147 - 171
• Main Authors: Alathur, Sreejith, Pai, Rajesh R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford Emerald Publishing Limited 10-02-2023; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Developing countries; Disabilities; Disability; Disability studies; Empowerment; Handicapped accessibility; Health care; Hypotheses; Immunization; Influence; LDCs; Mass media; Mental health; Participation; People with disabilities; Political behavior; Rehabilitation; Services; Social media; Social networks; Sociopolitical factors; Work environment; E-participation; Online services; Digital content; Social media; Disaster management
• ISSN: 1750-6166; 1750-6174; 1750-6166
• DOI: 10.1108/TG-06-2022-0094

Purpose
This study aims to examine the factors that influence the adoption of social media to meet the service needs of persons with disabilities.
Design/methodology/approach
This study outlines the social media adoption model in disability services by using theories of persons with disabilities’ resistance, extreme-ableist expressions and exploit-ecological theories. A questionnaire survey is conducted among citizens who participate in disability-related activities.
Findings
The adoption of social media is influenced by disability norms, administrative and platform support. Emerging trends, such as disability politics and inclusion, are inconsequential.
Research limitations/implications
Results implicate that frequent sharing of disability rights perspectives and awareness initiatives can enhance social media platforms for disability services.
Practical implications
In regional disability services, the scope of social media is hampered by a lack of reporting capabilities and a paucity of digital content sensitive to disability.
Originality/value
The disability interest group reported less specialised services enabled by social media from developing nations. The current study addresses this research gap.