Key Messages

• Computer use is an essential skill

to thrive in today’s society.

• Occupational therapists play a

key role in ensuring that persons

with a disability are given the

opportunities to become skilled

users of online technologies so

that they are not further

disadvantaged through the

digital divide.

Erika Bannert, Nicole Anstey, Anita Hamilton, & Lily Ma

Special Thanks to Judy Lin & Sarah Langenhoff

Our Program

Students designed and

facilitated a

5-week

Facebook program

Our Research

Students conducted

supervised & structured

pre, post, and follow-up,

interviews

Our Findings

Students and supervisor in-

dependently analyzed

interviews using coded

themes

Occupational Therapists can facilitate social connections using online technology

∗ Signing up

∗ Privacy settings

∗ Posting on the wall

∗ Private messaging

∗ Searching for friends

∗ Adding photos

∗ Sharing Content

∗ Social connectedness

∗ Teaching approaches

∗ Motivation

∗ Skills

∗ Risk

∗ Increased connections with friends and family around the world

∗ Some made new friends

∗ Teaching approaches appropriate

∗ Games are motivating

∗ Previous computer use is an asset

∗ Need regular use and reinforce-ment to become habit

Overcoming the digital divide

overcoming

For further information please contact: anita.hamilton@ualberta.ca