ICT and Intellectual Disability: A Survey of Organizational Support at the Municipal Level in Sweden

• Published in: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities 2017-07, Vol.30 (4), p.705-713
• Main Authors: Ramsten, Camilla, Marmstål Hammar, Lena, Martin, Lene, Göransson, Kerstin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: At Risk Persons; Case Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disadvantaged; Foreign Countries; health and social policy; Health Policy; Humans; information and communication technology (ICT); Information Technology; Intellectual disabilities; Intellectual Disability; Municipalities; Organizations (Groups); Power (Psychology); Public Policy; social care; Social Services; Social Support; Special Education; Specialpedagogik; Statistical Analysis; Surveys; Surveys and Questionnaires; Sweden; Young adults
• ISSN: 1360-2322; 1468-3148; 1468-3148
• DOI: 10.1111/jar.12265

Background Young adults today have grown up in a society where information and communication technology (ICT) support empowerment and social participation. Young adults with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability are at risk for marginalization by the digital divide. The aim was to map and describe how municipal organizations in Sweden organize support in terms of policy and strategies to enable the use of ICT in social care for adults with a mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability. Methods A quantitative, cross‐sectional survey including all municipalities in Sweden (n = 290) was conducted (response rate: 51%, n = 147). Descriptive statistics were used. Results Findings indicate a lack of organizational support for staff as well as for young adults with mild‐to‐moderate intellectual disability. Conclusion Municipalities request more knowledge about strategies for making ICT available. Despite the lack of comprehensive strategies for ICT, some Swedish municipalities have taken the initiative in this area.