Association of ICT utilization level and life satisfaction of people with disabilities: Focus on differences in disability type

Abstract

Using a nationally representative sample in Korea, this study examined the association of information and communication technology (ICT) utilization level and the life satisfaction of people with disabilities and the variations by disability type. Data were obtained from the second wave of the 2021 Survey on the Digital Divide, administered by the Korean National Information Society Agency (N = 2200 persons with disabilities). Study findings reveal that ICT utilization level has a significant association with the life satisfaction of people with disabilities, regardless of the disability type. In addition, the level of disability was related to the life satisfaction of people with physical disabilities only, while income was associated with the life satisfaction of people with physical disabilities and brain lesion disabilities. Based upon these results, this study discussed practical and policy implications for people with disabilities, particularly focusing on the methods to increase to increase the level of ICT utilization.