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Disability and Digital Media

Accessibility, Representation and Inclusion

Gwyneth Peaty, Katie Ellis, and Mike Kent

In Disability and Digital Media , we will explore the relationship between digital technologies and disability in the Internet age.We will consider:

  • the evolving impact of social media on representations of disability;
  • the politics of experiencing, embodying, and discussing disability online;
  • the presence of disability in memes, viral content, and online culture; and
  • the role of accessibility in the digital world.
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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Social and medical models of disability;
  • Key concepts and terminology for understanding digital disability;
  • How social media is changing representations of disability;
  • The opportunities and challenges of representing disability online;
  • How memes and viral content are being used by disability activists;
  • How the tools of digital accessibility can benefit all media users.
  • You will learn about:

Syllabus

Module 1: Introducing digital disability
Module 2:Disability and social media
Module 3: Accessibility and the digital world
Module 4: Thefuture of digital disability
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores digital disability, examining evolving social media representations and the importance of accessibility
Provides foundational concepts and terminology for understanding digital disability in a modern context
Facilitates discussions about the complex and intersectional nature of disability representation in online spaces
Taught by experienced instructors with research and expertise in disability studies and accessibility
Offers practical insights into the impact of digital accessibility on user experience and inclusion
Requires no prerequisite knowledge, making it accessible to learners with varying backgrounds

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Reviews summary

Digital media, disability, and inclusion insights

According to students, this course offers an incredibly eye-opening and comprehensive look at the intersection of disability and digital media. Learners particularly value its strong conceptual foundation in understanding social and medical models of disability, and how social media influences representation. The Module on Accessibility is often highlighted as a practical and valuable component. While praised for its well-structured content and engaging instructor, some learners noted it is more theoretical than practical for hands-on application, suggesting it may require supplementary study for deep technical skills. Overall, it's considered essential learning for critical thinking about inclusive digital spaces.
May need additional resources for deeper technical or practical skills.
"Overall, a solid introduction, but not deeply technical."
"It's a good starting point, but requires further personal study."
"While the subject matter is crucial, I found the course material somewhat inconsistent in depth... It's a good primer but definitely requires external research to fill in gaps."
Instructor's knowledge and passion enhance the learning experience.
"The instructor's insights were profound..."
"The instructor was knowledgeable."
"The instructor's passion shines through. The lectures were engaging, and the assignments encouraged deep reflection."
Well-organized with clear, important topics for digital spaces.
"The course is well-structured, with clear learning objectives."
"Valuable content, especially regarding representation and inclusion. The materials were presented clearly..."
"The modules are concise, and the information is presented in an accessible way."
Highlights the critical role of accessibility in digital media.
"I particularly appreciated the module on accessibility and how it benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities."
"Module 3 on accessibility was particularly strong and provided practical insights."
"I learned about the tools of digital accessibility and how they can benefit all media users."
Provides excellent theoretical grounding on digital disability.
"A good foundational course for understanding digital disability."
"This course provided a comprehensive look at disability from a digital perspective. The social model discussion was enlightening."
"I found the materials clearly presented, and the core concepts remain highly relevant."
"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course."
Challenges preconceptions and deepens understanding of disability.
"This course was incredibly eye-opening! The content on social media's evolving impact on disability representation was fascinating..."
"Absolutely essential learning for anyone creating digital content. The discussions around disability in memes and viral content were incredibly insightful and challenged my preconceptions."
"Excellent course for cultural understanding and awareness. It broadened my perspective on disability."
"I appreciated how it highlighted the opportunities and challenges of online representation."
Leans academic, less hands-on application for technical roles.
"Some parts felt a bit theoretical and could have used more real-world case studies or hands-on examples, especially for applying accessibility principles."
"It felt more academic than practical for my needs as a web developer. It's a good starting point, but requires further personal study."
"I signed up expecting more on the 'digital media' practical side, like how to code accessible websites or create inclusive digital campaigns. Instead, it was very theoretical..."
"For practical application, supplementary resources might be needed, but for conceptual understanding, it's superb."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Disability and Digital Media: Accessibility, Representation and Inclusion with these activities:
Review relevant articles
Refresh your knowledge of disability and digital media to build a strong foundation for the course.
Show steps
  • Identify key terms and concepts related to disability and digital media.
  • Review articles and research papers on the topic.
  • Take notes and summarize the main points of the articles.
Read about disability and digital culture
Review key concepts related to disability and digital media to prepare for the course.
Show steps
  • Read academic articles and blog posts on the topic.
  • Watch documentaries and films about disability and digital media.
Read 'The Disability Studies Reader'
Dive into a foundational text in disability studies to deepen your understanding of key concepts and theories.
View The Disability Studies Reader on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book.
  • Read the book carefully and take notes.
  • Attend book club discussions or online forums to discuss the book.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Explore online resources on digital disability
Supplement your understanding of digital disability by exploring online resources and tutorials.
Browse courses on Online Resources
Show steps
  • Visit websites and organizations dedicated to disability and digital media.
  • Follow online tutorials and webinars on the topic.
  • Join online discussion forums to connect with others interested in the field.
Follow tutorials on accessibility tools and techniques
Enhance your technical skills by exploring tutorials on accessibility tools and techniques.
Show steps
  • Identify specific accessibility tools or techniques you want to learn.
  • Search for tutorials or online courses that cover those tools or techniques.
  • Follow the tutorials and practice using the tools or techniques.
  • Apply what you've learned to your own projects or work.
Participate in peer discussion groups
Engage in discussions with peers to exchange perspectives and deepen your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on Online Learning
Show steps
  • Join or create an online discussion group.
  • Actively participate in discussions by sharing your thoughts and responding to others.
  • Ask questions and seek clarification from your peers.
Discuss disability representation in social media
Engage with peers to share perspectives and insights on the role of social media in shaping representations of disability.
Show steps
  • Join or start a discussion group on social media or online forums.
  • Share articles, videos, and other resources related to disability representation.
  • Participate in discussions and contribute your own thoughts and experiences.
Volunteer for an organization promoting disability rights
Gain practical experience and contribute to the advancement of disability rights through volunteerism.
Show steps
  • Research different organizations and their missions.
  • Identify an organization that aligns with your interests.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend training and orientation sessions.
  • Participate in volunteer activities and support the organization's mission.
Develop a blog post or presentation
Deepen your understanding and share your knowledge by creating a content piece on a topic related to digital disability.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic within the course scope.
  • Research and gather information from credible sources.
  • Organize your content into a logical structure.
  • Write or design your content in an engaging and accessible manner.
  • Publish or present your content to an audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Disability and Digital Media: Accessibility, Representation and Inclusion will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Accessibility Consultant
The field of digital media is rapidly changing due to advances in technology, and this is having a significant impact on representations of disability. As an Accessibility Consultant, you will need to be aware of how social media is changing representations of disability and the challenges and opportunities of doing so. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to advise clients on how to make their digital content more accessible. A background in disability studies or a related field is helpful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Accessibility Consultant
Digital Marketing Manager
Digital Marketing Managers are responsible for planning and executing marketing campaigns that use digital technologies. As a result, you need to be aware of the impact of social media on representations of disability. This course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to create marketing campaigns that are inclusive of people with disabilities. A background in marketing or a related field is required.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Manager
Journalist
Journalists need to be aware of the challenges and opportunities of representing disability online. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to write about disability in a way that is accurate and respectful. A background in journalism or a related field is required.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Media Producer
Media Producers are responsible for creating and producing media content. As a Media Producer, you need to be aware of the challenges and opportunities of representing disability online. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to create media content that is inclusive of people with disabilities. A background in media production, film studies, or a related field is required.
See salaries and explore the career path for Media Producer
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists are responsible for managing the public image of organizations and individuals. As a Public Relations Specialist, you need to be aware of how social media is changing representations of disability. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to create public relations campaigns that are inclusive of people with disabilities. A background in public relations or a related field is required.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist
Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers are responsible for creating and managing social media content. As a Social Media Manager, you need to be aware of how social media is changing representations of disability. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to create social media content that is inclusive of people with disabilities. A background in social media marketing or a related field is required.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager
User Experience (UX) Designer
User Experience (UX) Designers are responsible for designing and developing the user experience for websites and other digital products. As a UX Designer, you need to be aware of the challenges and opportunities of representing disability online. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to create user experiences that are inclusive of people with disabilities. A background in UX design or a related field is required.
See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer
Web Developer
Web Developers are responsible for developing and maintaining websites. As a Web Developer, you need to be aware of the importance of accessibility and how to make websites accessible to people with disabilities. This course will help you gain the knowledge and skills you need to develop accessible websites. A background in web development or a related field is required.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer
Disability Advocate
Disability Advocates work to promote the rights of people with disabilities and improve their quality of life. As a Disability Advocate, you will need to be aware of how social media is changing representations of disability and the challenges and opportunities of doing so. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to advocate for disability rights online. A background in disability studies or a related field is required.
See salaries and explore the career path for Disability Advocate
Disability Studies Researcher
Disability Studies Researchers study the social, cultural, and political aspects of disability. As a Disability Studies Researcher, you will need to be aware of how social media is changing representations of disability and the challenges and opportunities of doing so. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to conduct research on disability. A background in disability studies or a related field is required.
See salaries and explore the career path for Disability Studies Researcher
Disability Policy Analyst
Disability Policy Analysts analyze and develop policies that affect people with disabilities. As a Disability Policy Analyst, you will need to be aware of how social media is changing representations of disability and the challenges and opportunities of doing so. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to analyze and develop disability policy. A background in public policy or a related field is required.
See salaries and explore the career path for Disability Policy Analyst
Disability Rights Lawyer
Disability Rights Lawyers advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. As a Disability Rights Lawyer, you will need to be aware of how social media is changing representations of disability and the challenges and opportunities of doing so. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to advocate for disability rights in the legal system. A JD is strongly recommended.
See salaries and explore the career path for Disability Rights Lawyer
Assistive Technology Specialist
Assistive Technology Specialists help people with disabilities use technology to improve their lives. As an Assistive Technology Specialist, you will need to be aware of the latest developments in digital accessibility. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to help people with disabilities use digital technologies. A background in assistive technology or a related field is required.
See salaries and explore the career path for Assistive Technology Specialist
Adaptive Technology Trainer
Adaptive Technology Trainers teach people with disabilities how to use adaptive technology. As an Adaptive Technology Trainer, you will need to be aware of the latest developments in digital accessibility. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to teach people with disabilities how to use adaptive technology. A background in adaptive technology or a related field is required.
See salaries and explore the career path for Adaptive Technology Trainer
Audio Describer
Audio Describers provide verbal descriptions of visual content for people who are blind or visually impaired. As an Audio Describer, you will need to be aware of the challenges and opportunities of representing disability online. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to provide audio descriptions of digital content. A background in audio description or a related field is required.
See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Describer

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Disability and Digital Media: Accessibility, Representation and Inclusion.
Cover image
Disability and New Media
Save
Collection of essays that explore the social construction of disability in new media. It examines the ways in which digital technologies are shaping our understanding of disability, and how these technologies can be used to promote inclusion.
Disability and New Media (Routledge Studies in New...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Biopolitics of Disability
Save
Provides a theoretical framework for understanding disability in the digital age. It explores the ways in which disability is represented in digital media, and how these representations shape our understanding of disability.
The Matter of Disability: Materiality, Biopolitics,...
Paperback
$$
The Biopolitics of Disability: Neoliberalism,...
Paperback
$$$
The Matter of Disability: Materiality, Biopolitics,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Crip Theory
Save
Explores the ways in which disability is represented in literature, film, and other forms of media. It examines the power dynamics that shape these representations, and the impact they have on the lives of people with disabilities.
Crip Theory: Cultural Signs of Queerness and...
Paperback
$$
Crip Theory: Cultural Signs of Queerness and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Openings to the Infinite Ocean: A Friendly Offering...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of disability culture. It examines the ways in which people with disabilities have created their own cultures, and how these cultures have shaped the way we think about disability.
Openings to the Infinite Ocean: A Friendly Offering...
Paperback
Check
Openings to the Infinite Ocean: A Friendly Offering...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Understanding Disability
Save
Provides a critical analysis of the social policies that affect people with disabilities. It examines the ways in which these policies can create barriers to inclusion, and offers recommendations for more just and equitable policies.
Understanding Disability
Paperback
Check
Understanding Disability
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Leading an Inclusive School
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and practical issues that educators need to be aware of when teaching students with disabilities. It offers guidance on how to create an inclusive classroom, and how to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities.
Leading an Inclusive School: Access and Success for...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Effort
3 to 4 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Curtin University
Instructors
Gwyneth Peaty
Katie Ellis
Mike Kent
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a collection called From Digital Technologies to Social Media. It's comprised of three courses:
  1. Disability and Digital Media: Accessibility, Representation and Inclusion (viewing)
  2. Social Media: How Media Got Social
  3. Communicating with Robots and Bots
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores digital disability, examining evolving social media representations and the importance of accessibility
Provides foundational concepts and terminology for understanding digital disability in a modern context
Facilitates discussions about the complex and intersectional nature of disability representation in online spaces
Taught by experienced instructors with research and expertise in disability studies and accessibility
Offers practical insights into the impact of digital accessibility on user experience and inclusion
Requires no prerequisite knowledge, making it accessible to learners with varying backgrounds
Share this
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