Practical Strategies for Adapting Information and Communication Technology in Support Services for People with Intellectual Disabilities

The provision of social services to people with intellectual disabilities by information and communication technology is now widespread. Its universal application during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed us to examine the challenges encountered and offer practical strategies and guidelines. Focus group sessions with 17 social workers and 12 carers supporting people with intellectual disabilities were conducted. Qualitative thematic analysis was performed. Three main themes emerged from the analysis. First, there are specific characteristics and needs that require additional training and support should be recognized. Second, sensorimotor stimuli are essential when communicating with people with intellectual disabilities, and thus human resources may be irreplaceable to varying degrees. Finally, the digital community should consider the universal design of information and communication technology software and devices to ensure that they are fully inclusive. This study reveals the complexity of the universal application of information and communication technology in social services for those with intellectual disabilities. Hence, our research team, which is composed of various professionals, thus provided operational recommendations, preventing the risk of ‘othering’ people with intellectual disabilities. Further research to assess service delivery with a group of digital natives will be useful.