AMANDA HYNAN FINAL THESIS PDF

espond to in order to experience using the internet and online social media
independently or collaboratively.
Clearly, having the right information is important as was demonstrated by Peter’s visit
to a further education college which revealed how he could use a computer
independently through Switch XS software. As discussed in ‘Requesting to use the
internet and online social media’ (section 5.3.4.) some of the young people negotiated
the desire to use the internet and online social media by requesting equipment or
assistance. Although there are examples of success there were some examples when
making requests for equipment were unfulfilled. As discussed in section 5.3.4.
attending to conceptual factors such as digital agility and digital decision making and
recognising young people who use AAC as empowered is important. It was not clear
from participant report why there had been a failure to respond to their requests and
these issues would need to be explored more with technical departments. These
departments undoubtedly work very hard to support students and field note data
revealed sometimes colleges and schools have to rely on outside agencies for
equipment supplies or repairs as well as individual funding packages. Therefore the
reason some of the students did not appear to have the equipment they wanted may
not be down to staff within educational settings. However, whatever the reason, the
outcome is that lack of access heightens the risk of digital exclusion and a small
number of participants articulated they had challenges in relation to using the internet
and online social media to the extent they desired.
Other vital strategies are learning how to use access technology, having equipment set
up and receiving training. As discussed in section 5.5, most of the participants within
this study acknowledged they had required help to initially set up their use of the
internet and online social media but once online many of them were able to teach
themselves how to use websites and services. The CEG report (2009) said
“lack of awareness about the access technology available, and of the ways in
which it can help break down the barriers to the Internet, is another key issue
in looking at the low take up for disabled people” (p. 2)
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