“The disability becomes secondary”: The use of mobile devices by small business managers with a disability in Australia

Authors

  • Graeme Johanson Monash University
  • Misita Anwar Monash University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v26i8.11080

Keywords:

disability, mobile phones, business managers

Abstract

This article summarises an original qualitative research investigation into the use of mobile devices by small business people with a disability in Australia. It uses the limited available published literature, social inclusion theories, and data from interviews with five small business people about their use of mobile devices, especially phones, and the experiences of five key informants. This project found no prior research that deals with the topic. Most businesses managed by people with a disability are home-based. By merging theories with praxis we show that they adapt mainstream apps to their own special needs. They improve their independence, expand their networks, and maximise opportunities for unique business uses.

Author Biographies

Graeme Johanson, Monash University

Associate professor in the Department of Human Centred Computing in the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University, Australia

Misita Anwar, Monash University

Research fellow in the Department of Human Centred Computing at Monash University

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Published

2021-07-17

How to Cite

Johanson, G., & Anwar, M. (2021). “The disability becomes secondary”: The use of mobile devices by small business managers with a disability in Australia . First Monday, 26(8). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v26i8.11080