Communication and Empowerment: A Place for Rich and Multiple Media?

Background: Project @pple (Access & Participation for People with intellectual disability in Learning Environments) was about exploring the terms on which young people with intellectual disability access and participate with e‐Learning and the Web. The current study is one of a number of related studies. It explores the culture of information and communication technology (ICT) and the potential to support communication and empowerment.

Materials and Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with 20 young people with intellectual disability. The interviews involved a low‐technology, augmentative communication method called Talking Mats (Murphy & Cameron 2002).

Findings: Information and communication technology and rich and multiple media featured in the participants’ narratives and contributed to self‐concept and inclusive communication. Positive value was attributed to ICT options by many, although some difficulties were expressed with regard to operational aspects of the technology.

Conclusions: The lives of young people with intellectual disability provide a fertile culture for developments in this area, offering some new opportunities for communication and empowerment.