Abstract:

Our recent study examined the use of technology by individuals with special needs, what types of technology they use, the effectiveness of the technology, and perceptions of information security and day-to-day threats unique to this population. A survey was disseminated to families with special needs individuals served by organizations such as Special Olympics, Little League Challenger Baseball and those receiving services for special needs family members. Accessibility and accommodation tools that can be used by those with special needs were identified as well as what mainstream technologies are used by this population in their daily life.

Our presentation examines the need for a dedicated social media platform for those with special needs. The research concludes that while there are many tools to help those with special needs communicate, there is no single accommodation rich platform that allows users with different special needs to communicate and interact. In addition, this is a population with inherent communications issues as well as a lack of understanding about threats they face online. A dedicated accommodation rich special needs platform with tight parental controls and security features could well serve this population.

We have identified a great need for a secure platform where individuals with different special needs can easily communicate and interact with each other. Much like Google Translate allows individuals speaking different languages to communicate, the platform would allow an individual with one special need to communicate with an individual with a different special need. Our research clearly shows the need for combining tools already available into a secure comprehensive platform that can allow those with special needs to communicate, interact, and improve their quality of life.

Keywords:

Special needs, accommodations, accessibility.