Mobile Technology as a Tool for Social Inclusion and Communication for People With Intellectual Disabilities

• In Event: Inclusive Innovation: Centering Disability in and Through Technology

Abstract

This study, a collaborative effort between a self-advocate with an intellectual disability and a university professor, explores the impact of mobile technology, particularly speech-to-text tools, on enhancing social inclusion and communication for people with intellectual disabilities. Through a participatory research approach, we share personal narratives and insights on the role of technology in fostering independence, social connections, and self-advocacy. Our findings highlight the potential of mobile devices to facilitate communication, support self-determination, and promote community participation. This research contributes to a growing body of work on the intersection of technology and disability, emphasizing the need for user-centered approaches in both research and technology development.

Authors

• Alan R. Foley, Syracuse University

• Micah Fialka Feldman, Syracuse University