Pros & Cons of Internet Communication for the Disabled
- The chief benefit of Internet communication for the disabled is that thanks to modern-day technology, individuals with disabilities can use the Internet. Without this technology, disabled people would not be able to use the Internet without assistance. Many accessible computer programs allow people with a variety of disabilities to navigate the Web. If you're blind, for example, certain software will read websites to you aloud. Deaf people can enjoy watching videos online that feature subtitles.
- Before computers and the Internet were accessible to people with disabilities, these people would have been unable to work in an industry that required them to use the Web. This technology has given people with a variety of disabilities a chance to earn a living in a computer-related field. Employment laws have also helped the cause, preventing employers from discriminating against an individual based on his disability.
- A disability can give the individual an alienated feeling. Often, someone who is physically disabled might be able to enjoy limited social outings because of that disability. The Internet opens the door to a global community for this individual. This person can enjoy using the Internet for any number of means, including joining online support groups to communicate with other people with similar disabilities.
- Though Internet communication for the disabled has overwhelmingly positive effects, one downside is the cost of buying computer software and hardware to make the Internet accessible. If you have an employee or family member who is disabled, you will need to spend extra funds to obtain a computer that helps the disabled individual surf the Internet. In a household, for example, this is a significant extra cost because the disabled individual cannot necessarily use the standard home computer.
