The new technologies applied to communication, education, and employability, for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the digital society

Abstract

The new technologies have contributed to increased autonomy for people with disabilities and to the reduction of their technological gap through the acquisition of digital skills, which has enhanced their dignity in society and reinforced inclusive social values. Moreover, there continues to be a gap between the personal identity of people with disabilities and their own social construction. Although the negative image conveyed by the media in the past has nearly disappeared, the dichotomous depiction of people with disabilities as either heroes or victims continues to obstruct their inclusion in the public sphere. Despite this situation, we see on social networks how the self-portrayal of people with disabilities is starting to promote diversity in the fields of beauty and fashion without renouncing the exposure of the explicit features of disability. These achievements, together with the additional impetus provided by both educational innovation programmes and corporate purpose initiatives of organisations, have led to new employment opportunities that go beyond the stereotyped professions traditionally assigned to people with disabilities. The acquisition of digital skills is vital in meeting the challenges that are work-related, cultural, and social, which are being posed by the current digital environment.