Navigating the currents of change: technology, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities in the Pacific

Abstract

Using a multiple case study design, the authors describe lessons learned from providing information and communication technologies (ICTs) to individuals with disabilities in the US-affiliated Pacific Islands. The cases include descriptions of the processes underlying the adoption of assistive technologies and ICT in under-resourced settings and consider culturally relevant ways to introduce ICT-related initiatives for indigenous Pacific Islanders. The paper highlights themes of collaboration, access, and procurement, and the iterative process of providing assistive technology, using examples from each case study to illustrate the ideas presented. The authors discuss the ways in which ICTs can be used to empower individuals with disabilities, create conditions for self-advocacy and inclusion, and counter negative perceptions of disability.

Roland Weistroffer is the accepting Associate Editor for this article.

Keywords:

• information and communication technology
• disability
• Pacific Islands
• indigenous
• inclusion

Notes

Roland Weistroffer is the accepting Associate Editor for this article.