Inclusive communications in COVID-19: a virtual ethnographic study of disability support network in China

Abstract

In the absence of accessible and inclusive emergency communication provided by the government and public service providers, this article examines a self-initiated and volunteer-driven Disability Support Network. This Network emerged as a civil response during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. The study highlights the communication difficulties and multiple disadvantages experienced by people with disabilities in emergency situations. This reveals the gaps between policies and practices regarding the digital accessibility infrastructure in China. Adopting a WeChat ethnography research method, the researchers collect data from both participant-observation in the virtual field of online chat rooms and semi-structured interviews with Network participants. The study examines the empowering role of the Disability Support Network and the use of inclusive information and communication technologies. The mechanism and deliverables of Disability Support Network, along with important lessons and inclusive communication practices used by the Network, are presented in the article. We argue that comprehensive and inclusive communication strategies for people with disabilities should consider multiple dimensions including formats, content, and situations. We advocate that government and public service entities in China need to take more active measures providing inclusive communications and information in emergency situations for people with disabilities. Points of interests This study examines the effects of civil society response and communication inequalities in public health disasters in China. The study identifies difficulties experienced by disabled people who are excluded from mainstream information channels. The study provides examples of the best practices in effective communication for disabled people during the COVID-19 outbreak. We especially study an unprecedented volunteer-driven disability support network that emerged in response to COVID-19. The study details how a disability support network is organized, what the network has achieved, and the role social media played in the network’s activism and organization. This study highlights the response, self-determination, and self-help actions generated from disability communities in China.