Ways of ICT Usage among Mildly Intellectually Disabled Adolescents: Potential Risks and Advantages

Introduction: The Intellectually Disabled As Users Of Ict

Undoubtedly, we are all living in the Digital Age (Information Age or Computer Age). It is the effect of the considerable role of the New Media (Internet, cell phones) in education, work and leisure activities. The amount of time spend while using those media is still increasing. Therefore, new challenges for the education in terms of teaching and socialization appear. One of the most important tasks is to provide young people with support when concerning safe and responsible ICT usage. The cyberspace provides opportunities for acquiring positive experiences and contributes to personal development. On the other hand, it poses some risks like involvement in electronic aggression or other symptoms of Problematic Internet Use (Shapira et. al., 2000).

Phenomena and problems related to presence of young people in VR (Virtual Reality) are common for all of those who have an access to modern technologies and possess even basic competencies. This is particularly true in case of the disabled, since their problems and limitations often result from the disabling environment not from their physical disability. Information and Communication Technologies such as the Internet and cell phones are favourable instruments to build and increase independence and self-empowerment of people with intellectual disabilities. Access to new technologies and relevant media education are the instruments of democratization and prevent disabled people from digital exclusion as well as media illiteracy.

According to an overview of the 2002 American Association on Mental Retardation’s (AAMR’s) Definition,Classification, and Systems of Supports an intellectual disability¹ is defined as a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behaviour as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills and that the basis for the disability has been present prior to age 18. (...) Five important assumptions are included as operational recommendations. These are:

• 1.

  Limitations in present functioning must be considered within the context of community environments typical of the individual’s age peers and culture;

• 2.

  Valid assessment considers cultural and linguistic diversity as well as differences in communication, sensory, motor, and behavioural factors;

• 3.

  Within an individual, limitations often coexist with strengths;

• 4.

  An important purpose of describing limitations is to develop a profile of needed supports; and

• 5.

  With appropriate personalized supports over a sustained period, life functioning of the person with ID generally will improve (Schalock & Luckasson, 2004, p. 4).