2007 PhD Thesis Final Revised.pdf - Curtin University

Figure 3.1 Household Computer or Internet Access in Australia 1998 to 2003
(Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2003b)
This phenomenon has been integral to the modern era, particularly in relation
to the accessing of both information and communication. As indicated previously in
sections 2.3 and 2.5, there are specific additional benefits for people with disabilities
and, in particular, for people who are blind or vision impaired. The benefits for this
group extend beyond those available to the general public through the provision of
previously inaccessible resources such as written text being converted into electronic
formats and increased independence through the use of the Internet for information
retrieval. The ability to access information from many sources while remaining in
one place, is a major opportunity for those facing mobility difficulties based on their
disability. The same can be said for an array of communication possibilities.
Nevertheless, statistics suggest that people with disabilities are not embracing
computing or Internet technologies at the same or faster rate than the able-bodied
population, despite such significant benefits. Government statistics recently
published in Australia (ABS, 2004) show that approximately 48% of people with a
disability have access to a computer. This is approximately 18% less than the
general population. In terms of Internet usage, approximately 39% of people with
disabilities are household Internet users, 14% less than the total population
(Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2003b). Other Western countries, such as the USA,
have similar statistical results (United States Census Bureau, 2000). Essentially,
these statistics demonstrate that computer usage and the Internet are increasing
throughout the world. However, people with disabilities are not using computing
and Internet usage at the same rate as the able-bodied population.
58