A Model for the Development of Virtual Communities for People with Long-Term, Severe Physical Disabilities

Autor/inn/en	Tilley, C. M.; Bruce, C. S.; Hallam, G.; Hills, A. P.
Titel	A Model for the Development of Virtual Communities for People with Long-Term, Severe Physical Disabilities
Quelle	In: Information Research: An International Electronic Journal, 11 (2006) 3, (13 Seiten) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1368-1613
Schlagwörter	Disabilities; Physical Disabilities; Grounded Theory; Investigations; Interviews; Neurological Impairments; Allied Health Personnel; Allied Health Occupations; Information Technology; Foreign Countries; Models; Qualitative Research; Electronic Learning; Health Services; Research Methodology; Adults; Technology Uses in Education; Assistive Technology; Accessibility (for Disabled); Technological Advancement; Technological Literacy; Access to Information; Information Literacy; Australia + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Handicap; Behinderung; Physical handicap; Körperbehinderung; Untersuchung; Interviewing; Interviewtechnik; Neurodegenerative Erkrankung; Gesundheitsberuf; Informationstechnologie; Ausland; Analogiemodell; Qualitative Forschung; Health service; Gesundheitsdienst; Gesundheitswesen; Research method; Forschungsmethode; Technology enhanced learning; Technology aided learning; Technologieunterstütztes Lernen; Accessibility; Zugänglichkeit; Technological development; Technologische Entwicklung; Technisches Wissen; Informationskompetenz; Australien
Abstract	Introduction: This paper reports results of an investigation into the needs of persons with disabilities wanting to participate in the use of virtual communities. The aim was to investigate "how virtual communities for persons with long-term, severe physical disabilities can best be facilitated"? Method: A Grounded Theory approach was adopted to inform the investigation. In- depth interviews were conducted with twelve persons with paraplegia, quadriplegia or other severe, long-term physical or mobility disabilities and six health care professionals, service providers, information personnel and policy advisers who were involved in their well-being. Analysis: Rich explanations were derived about the information and communication technology (ICT) usage and the technologies' contributions towards restoration of sense of control over their lives. Results: The primary outcome of the investigation is a theory regarding the character of virtual communities for the disabled. The theory is represented as a Virtual Community Model. The model identifies: the need for "a sense of control" as the foundation element of virtual communities for the disabled; the key domains in which disabled people participate in virtual communities; and the barriers and enablers to their participation. Conclusion: The model provides a framework which can be used by interest groups and other organizations to facilitate the development of virtual communities for persons with severe physical disabilities. The six key types of community need to be represented in such virtual communities if a full "sense of control" is to be achieved by disabled persons. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Thomas D. Wilson. 9 Broomfield Road, Broomhill, Sheffield, S10 2SE, UK. Web site: http://informationr.net/ir
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01