In an era of dynamic development of digital technologies, access to the Internet and digital tools has become essential to enable full participation in social, educational, and professional life. Despite this, people with disabilities still encounter numerous barriers preventing them from properly benefiting from these opportunities. This entry considers the theme of digital exclusion of this group, analyzing its multidimensional character. It presents the evolution of the concept of a digital divide—from a simple lack of access to technology, via differences in digital competences, to the inequalities in receiving real benefits from such access. It discusses the factors influencing the deepening of this divide, such as material, cognitive, social, and cultural barriers. Particular attention is paid to the COVID-19 pandemic which has highlighted the scale of this problem and the lack of suitability of many digital solutions to the needs of people with various forms of disability. This entry is based on current studies and demonstrates that digital exclusion is not exclusively a technological problem but a complex structural phenomenon linked to marginalization and social inequalities. It also signposts the best direction for activities aiming to increase digital inclusion—for example, the improvement of interface access, development of digital competences, and considering the perspective of people with disabilities as early as the design phase.

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Digital Exclusion

  • Dorota Żuchowska-Skiba

摘要

In an era of dynamic development of digital technologies, access to the Internet and digital tools has become essential to enable full participation in social, educational, and professional life. Despite this, people with disabilities still encounter numerous barriers preventing them from properly benefiting from these opportunities. This entry considers the theme of digital exclusion of this group, analyzing its multidimensional character. It presents the evolution of the concept of a digital divide—from a simple lack of access to technology, via differences in digital competences, to the inequalities in receiving real benefits from such access. It discusses the factors influencing the deepening of this divide, such as material, cognitive, social, and cultural barriers. Particular attention is paid to the COVID-19 pandemic which has highlighted the scale of this problem and the lack of suitability of many digital solutions to the needs of people with various forms of disability. This entry is based on current studies and demonstrates that digital exclusion is not exclusively a technological problem but a complex structural phenomenon linked to marginalization and social inequalities. It also signposts the best direction for activities aiming to increase digital inclusion—for example, the improvement of interface access, development of digital competences, and considering the perspective of people with disabilities as early as the design phase.