'It will open your world up': The role of mobile technology in promoting social inclusion among adults with intellectual disabilities

Background While there has been a strong national and international emphasis on social inclusion over the past 15 years, many people with intellectual disabilities remain socially isolated in their communities. Mobile technology has the potential to support social inclusion and there is great interest among adults with intellectual disabilities in using technologies such as computers, smartphones, tablets and the internet. This study aimed to investigate the use of mobile technology by people with intellectual disabilities, and its capacity to improve their social inclusion. Methods Data were collected using individual interview, group interviews or interviews using Photovoice with 32 adults with intellectual disabilities and analysed using inductive content analysis. Findings Findings indicated that adults with intellectual disabilities use various mobile technology and apps for multiple purposes, including social activities, work, support, productivity, navigation and entertainment. Enabling inclusion, increasing convenience and accessibility were viewed as advantages of mobile technology, while disadvantages were related to social issues and dangers resulting from the use of mobile technology and the practical limitations and ubiquitous nature of mobile technology. Barriers to using mobile technology included having limited access to the technology itself in certain contexts and difficulties with its use. Receiving support from others and awareness of safety measures enabled the use of mobile technology among the participants. To facilitate the use of mobile technology among people with intellectual disabilities, there needs to be greater education about this and other technologies including their features, design and apps. Importantly, people with intellectual disabilities need to be involved in the design of apps. Conclusions To fully harness the potential of using mobile technology for the purpose of developing social relationships and sense of belonging in the community, people with intellectual disabilities should be supported in developing an awareness of the limitations of mobile technology and practicing appropriate safety measures.