Positive Approaches Journal, Volume 10, Issue 1

Volume 10 ► Issue 1 ► May 2021

Data Discoveries

The goal of Data Discoveries is to present useful data using new methods and platforms that can be customized.

Access to Internet and Technology Among Adults with Disabilities

Access to the internet, technology devices, and social media has become a part of most of our lives, especially in the era of COVID-19 related lockdown orders. Whether we are searching the web for news or chatting with friends on Facebook, technology plays a large role in keeping us connected. This dashboard is powered by data from the Pew Research Center, Pennsylvania Autism Needs Assessment, and U.S. Census data aimed at evaluating how Americans with disabilities are accessing technology and using the internet to stay engaged in their communities and connected to others.

To navigate the dashboard below, use the buttons along the top to browse through the topics. On tabs that include filters (located just above the chart on the left-hand side), select a value to filter the data by (i.e. race, age group, gender) and the charts below will be filtered to that specific group. To see the exact values displayed in the graphs, hover over the marks on the graph and a tooltip will appear to show these values. If you would like to download the data dashboard, click the download icon in the top right corner of the dashboard. To access the websites used in developing the data dashboards, click on their respective icons located in the upper right-hand corner of the dashboard.

Having Trouble Getting Online?

Public libraries are a great way to access computers and other technology devices as well as broadband internet. To find a Pennsylvania Public Library near you, visit Public Libraries (pa.gov) and search for your county. Access to free Wifi can also be helpful if you do not have access in your own home, to find accessible hot spots near you visit Free WiFi Hotspots in United States | WiFi Map and search for your city. For more ways to get involved in the online community, visit ASD Next to browse virtual social events, get connected on social media, and access resources. As always, when we are using the internet it is important to keep ourselves and our information safe. Visit ASERT: Cyber Safety Tips and Tools to learn more about how to keep your personal information safe when browsing the internet and using social media sites.