People with Disabilities Online Engagement During COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rapid increase of online engagement. High levels of online engagement continue across different contexts including ordering food and meals, telehealth, and working remotely in the United States. This study examines these behaviors for adults with disabilities online engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic via analysis of data from a self-administered online survey by adults in the US with disabilities (N=409) on food access, school and work, health, and social activities. Online food access was common as 53.5% ordered groceries and 55.3% ordered meals. Of students, 96.0% attended class online. Of respondents who are currently working, 82.5% attended a meeting online. 26.2% of respondents attended an online fitness class and 60% had a telehealth appointment. The most common online social event was attending a virtual party or social gathering (55.3%), followed by streaming a concert or a play (38.9%), and attending a religious event (36.2%). Online engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic varies for people with different types of disabilities. The most notable differences existing in telehealth appointments. People with learning disabilities, anxiety, difficulty speaking, upper extremity limitations were more likely to have completed more telehealth appointments than people with other types of disabilities.