Abstract
Introduction: To investigate whether social media use training would improve the social media skills of students with intellectual/developmental disabilities and facilitate social connections between students with and without disabilities.
Methods:A sequential mixed-method design was used. Five students with intellectual/developmental disabilities (aged12and13) from a special school participated in social media use training conducted at school over1½ school terms. Individualised goals were developed in collaboration with the students and their parents. Intervention included training on (1) cyber-safety, (2) age-appropriate social media platform (e.g. Google Hangout,Gmail), and (3) the use of accessibility features (Speech-to-Text, Text-to-Speech) to facilitate with literacy challenges. The social networks of the participants were mapped using the Circle of Communication Partners(CCP) pre- and post-intervention. A shared group forum between students with and without disabilities was created to encourage online communication outside school hours and during the holidays.
Results:There was a small increase in online communication partners following the training. Three out of five participants achieved their individualised goals (GAS T-score>50). Main challenges included difficulties with basic social skills for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities, access to application downloads and online interaction between students with and without disabilities.
Implications:The findings from this study provide preliminary information about the importance of social media use training for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Original language | English |
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DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 7 Aug 2019 |
Event | International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD) 16th World Congress: Future4All - SEC Centre, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom Duration: 6 Aug 2019 → 9 Aug 2019 http://www.iassidd2019.com/ |
Conference
Conference | International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD) 16th World Congress |
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Abbreviated title | IASSIDD19 |
Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
City | Glasgow, Scotland |
Period | 6/08/19 → 9/08/19 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- social media use
- Inclusive education
- School-aged students
- Intellectual disabilities