Assistive technology, computers and Internet may decrease sense of isolation for homebound elderly and disabled persons

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Bradley, Natalie^{; *} | Poppen, William

Affiliations: University of Tennessee, Department of Education, Psychology and Counseling, A-525 Claxton, Knoxville, TN 37996-3452, USA

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Natalie Bradley, M.S., CRC, ATP, Life's Calling, 4987-A Shafter Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609, USA. Tel.: +1 510 658 1213; E-mail: lifescalling@hotmail.com.

Abstract: In an interesting twist to the initial fear that the access to internet would result in a more isolative community, the CHIPs program (Computers for Homebound and Isolated Persons) inspired an online community for individuals who were homebound. The subjects began to get to know one another through the Internet, thereby making virtual friends with others in similar circumstances. Elderly citizens, disabled individuals and caregivers found themselves with a new sense of camaraderie and friendship. A one-year follow up to a questionnaire indicates that the subjects' level of satisfaction in the amount of contact with others increased significantly. These results suggest that the intervention may cause significant changes in the lives of isolated individuals, a change worthy of more formalized research.

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-2003-15104

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 19-25, 2003