Title: Leveraging online social networks for people with disabilities in emergency communications and recovery

Authors: John C. Bricout, Paul M.A. Baker

Addresses: College of Health and Public Affairs, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA. ' Center for Advanced Communication Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Abstract: Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can play an important role in leveraging social networks for emergency communications and recovery involving persons with disabilities, provided that proper consideration is given to the strengths and weaknesses of the distributed nature of online resources in relation to the instrumental, psychological and social needs of persons with disabilities in the context of disasters or other emergency events. Emergency and disaster events inherently involve uncertainty and dynamic risk factors, and pose design and implementation challenges for inclusive planning and delivery systems. The involvement of persons with disabilities as key stakeholders throughout the developmental and evaluation process is critical to the effectiveness of online social networks in bridging real-world concerns with virtual resources. An analytical model for understanding the role of distributed networks in mediating the negative impacts of a disaster or an emergency on persons with disabilities is proposed, together with key objectives for change.

Keywords: online social networks; disabilities; emergency communications; inclusive emergency planning; emergency management; ICT; disaster planning; distributed networks; disabled people.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEM.2010.032045

International Journal of Emergency Management, 2010 Vol.7 No.1, pp.59 - 74

Published online: 05 Mar 2010 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article