Determining the digital divide among people with disabilities in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

Background: About 1.3 billion people around the world are living with disabilities, facing challenges such as premature death, mental conditions and other diseases. In South Africa, over 3.5 million people live with disabilities, making up about 6.6% of the total population. People with disabilities face numerous challenges of prejudice, and increasingly, digital exclusion is also becoming a concern.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the extent and challenges that People with disabilities (PwD) have in accessing digital technology, assess the level of the digital divide, and propose measures to narrow this gap. Data were collected using survey questions, and the target population were people with disabilities located in various districts of KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.

Method: The study utilised a quantitative approach and analysed the findings using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results: The results indicated that people with disabilities are marginalised and have limited or no access to technology. The research concludes that there needs to be a targeted approach towards assisting people with disabilities, and stakeholders involved need to combat the digital divide for disadvantaged individuals to promote positive social change.

Conclusion: More needs to be done to increase society’s sensibilities towards people living with disabilities. Technology penetration seems to be a challenge and individuals with disabilities are left with a significant gap that needs to be addressed.

Contribution: This article contributes to bridging the technology inequality for people with disabilities in historically disadvantaged societies.