167
Journal on Technology and Persons with Disabilities
I. Barnard et al. (Eds): Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference
© 2013 California State University, Northridge
Social Media, Public Emergencies, and Disability
John Morris
Shepherd Center
john_morris@shepherd.org
Salimah LaForce
Georgia Institute of Technology
salimah.laforce@cacp.gatech.edu
Jim Mueller
Shepherd Center
jlminc1@verizon.net
Abstract
Longitudinal survey research data from two surveys conducted in 2010-2011 and 2012-2013, respectively,
on the use of social media and other media and devices during public emergencies by people with disabilities are
analyzed. The survey data show that television remains the primary means for receiving and verifying public alerts.
In the two years between the two emergency communications surveys the alerting methods used to receive
emergency alerts have shifted towards wider use of mobile and Internet based technologies while the methods used
to verify alert information have remained relatively stable. Rates of social media use for receiving and verifying
alert information on the dominant social networking platforms have more than doubled.
Keywords
Social Media, Emergency Alerting, Emergency Communications, Disability Access