The pandemic is a wake-up call for all people to be connected by technology, especially people with disabilities.
At the same time, technology statistics show that society could better serve people with disabilities who need new technology and training to help them gain more independence.
According to recent research, people with disabilities:
⢠comprise about 23 percent of all adults in Massachusetts;
⢠across the state, more than 20,000 residents are caring for a family member with an intellectual or developmental disability at home;
⢠are far less likely to use the internet, at 54 percent, compared with 81 percent of adults without disabilities;
⢠and less likely to own a desktop or laptop computer, at 67 percent for ages 18 to 64, compared with 84 percent of nondisabled people of the same age group.