Digital Literacy, Access to Technology and Inclusion for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities

• Published in: Journal of developmental and physical disabilities Vol. 33; no. 1; pp. 1 - 25
• Main Authors: Khanlou, Nazilla, Khan, Attia, Vazquez, Luz Maria, Zangeneh, Masood
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.02.2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Access; Affordability; Autonomy; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Child and School Psychology; Developmental disabilities; Digital literacy; Digital technology; Ecological studies; Economic integration; Employment; Holistic Approach; Infrastructure; Literacy; Pediatrics; Psychology; Public Health; Research methodology; Review Article; Social research; Technology; Young adults; Access; Scoping review; Young adults; Digital inclusion; Technology; Developmental disabilities
• ISSN: 1056-263X; 1573-3580
• DOI: 10.1007/s10882-020-09738-w

Access to and use of digital technology promise positive impacts on young adults with developmental disabilities’ social and economic integration, and on supporting their autonomy, and facilitating their inclusion into society. We conducted a scoping review, applying Arksey and O’Malley’s ( International Journal of Social Research Methodology , 8(1), 19-32, Arksey and O’Malley 2005 ) approach, of peer-reviewed journal articles, to examine the barriers to access and utilization of digital technology to support the transition stage needs (in relation to education, daily living, community integration, and employment) of young adults with developmental disabilities. A total of 29 studies were located that met the review’s inclusion criteria. Identified barriers included training, affordability, availability, infrastructure, design, lack of fit with needs, access to community activities, literacy, and accommodations. We applied a socio-ecological approach (Bronfenbrenner & Ceci, Psychological Review , 101(4), 568–586, Bronfenbrenner and Ceci 1994 ) in interpreting our findings. The review highlights the importance of facilitators for promoting digital inclusion of young adults with developmental disabilities.