The Importance of Social Media for People with Disabilities in Poland During the COVID-19 Epidemic

Abstract

People with disabilities during the COVID-19 epidemic were particularly vulnerable to information exclusion, e.g. press conferences were not translated into PJM, there was no information in plain language, etc. In addition, restrictions were introduced on social contacts and the possibility of carrying out previous activities and using the support of volunteers or assistants. This made social media an important tool during the COVID-19 pandemic for people with disabilities as it often provided a way to connect with a wider community, maintain social relationships, and obtain information about the epidemic and the restrictions being imposed. The aim of the article is to demonstrate the significance of social media during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland from 2020 to 2021 for people with disabilities. This will be facilitated by netnographic research, which will be based on the analysis of content published in 10 Facebook groups for people with disabilities between March–April 2020 and December–February 2021. The results of the research indicate that social media played an important role for people with disabilities during the crisis situation of the pandemic. Analysis of the content of social media group profiles showed that they provide a space for seeking and exchanging information, sharing concerns, seeking support, and fighting for their rights by people with disabilities.