The impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on the lives of disabilities: a case in Bangladesh

Abstract

Generally, people with disabilities (PWDs) experience barriers of different kinds than the people without disabilities, e.g. lower access to healthcare, education, employment, or economic participation, which are barriers to form an inclusive society. Access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) has paramount significance to remove these barriers. This study statistically investigates the factors that are significant in the acceptance process of ICT by the disabled and the positive change in the quality of their daily lives. We used exploratory factor analysis (EFA), a broadly used technique, to identify the factors responsible in the development process. This is mainly a sample-based study where the participants complete a well-defined questionnaire and assess the outcomes of ICT acceptance by PWDs, considering the change in the quality of their lives. A structural equation modeling is conducted to justify the total relationship based on the variables mainly involved. The findings show that the acceptance of ICT by PWDs was at moderate level, and there is a positive correlation between acceptance of ICT and quality improvement in the lives of PWDs. These results will help to improve individual lives of PWDs, social as well as national development, and to provide positive psychological intervention to promote the acceptance of ICT by PWDs.