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Sociability Social Media

Categorized in: Accessible Telecoms Blog Articles of Interest

 

Introduction to Social Media

Accessible-Telecoms-Social-Media-Logos

Social media websites and applications involve the use of the internet to connect users with their friends, family and acquaintances. You can connect with people from you mobile phone, tablet, or computer to share photos, videos and information, organise events, make calls, chat, and play online games.

Each social media platform uses different features to help you connect with an extended network of people, with the most well-known social media platforms being Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. While each platform is different, key features often include:

  • A profile page. This page usually allows you to post a picture and a few details about you and your interests, which can be seen by your friends. Often friends can leave comments or share information with you on your profile page.
  • Friends or Followers. To connect with your friends, family, and acquaintances, one of you must send a “Friend Request” or “Follow Request”. Often settings can be changed to alter who can send you friend requests and what information they can see.
  • Groups and Pages. Most platforms will allow you to create or join groups or pages. These are often used by groups of people who have a common interest, connections, or events. On these people can share information, images, links, and create events.
  • Businesses. Many businesses create their own pages or links on social media platforms, which can include information on their services, links to purchase on enrol, reviews on user experiences, and often an option to message a customer assistant.

Reasons and Benefits for using Social Media

Social Media allows individuals to stay connected and participate in a broader community, helping individuals with disabilities to meet their personal goals and needs, and overcome communication problems. Key benefits acknowledged are:

  • Used as tools for finding a job and establishing contact with an employer, e.g. LinkedIn
  • Fosters education systems and allows for remote access to information
  • Leisure and entertainment
  • Sharing stories and hearing the stories of others
  • Meeting like-minded people who can relate to your experience
  • A platform to have your voice heard and get involved with new campaigns
  • Keep up-to-date with favourite brands, products, and services
  • Contact businesses, specialists, and other professionals.

Accessible-Telecoms-Social-Media-Two-People-Interacting

Social Media Accessibility

While most social media platforms have made improvements in accessibility, some sites are still difficult to navigate for people with a disability, such as cognitive, hearing, sight or mobility impairments.  As these accessibility issues vary depending on the social media site, there are different tips and tricks available to overcome these issues for each.

Media Access Australia has developed documents with tips on overcoming the accessibility issues found in each of the most popular social media tools. Click on the below links for more information on each platform.

Groups, Pages, Businesses

Each social media platform offers a new forum for people to connect with like-minded individuals. This is often in the form of group pages, group messages, and business pages, with some examples and how they are used are listed below.

More Information:

Online Training about the different social networks, how to connect with people and staying in control of your information is available on the Be Connected Web Page (opens in new tab) or by downloading the Be Connected TipSheet (PDF Download) (opens in new tab)

ACCAN Introduction to Social Networking Web Page (opens in new tab)
   Media Access Australia SociABILITY Web Page (opens in new tab)

docxINF007-Social Media-2019 12 02.docx (opens in new tab)

 

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