| With the shift toward what many have called a 'knowledge-based economy' new technologies or Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), like computers and the Internet, have increased their importance to those wishing to participate in social, political and economic life. Organizations of people with disabilities embraced these technologies as having the potential to make their jobs easier. And while in some cases, the real potential of technology has exceeded their expectations, the use of technology has added new issues and concerns to the organizations' agendas.;This thesis research consists of three case studies of community development organizations of people with disabilities in Canada. Through interviews conducted with representatives of the organizations, content analysis of the organizations' websites and key documents, and a review of the relevant literature, this thesis will illustrate the complexities and currents in the use of ICTs by organizations of people with disabilities in Canada. The author concludes that ICTs have amazing potential for community engagement when used in conjunction with principles of the social model of disability. The author urges organizations of people with disabilities to embrace the use of ICTs as a method of community engagement and to harness their potential to further their goals. |
