Proceedings of the 8th World Conference on Qualitative Research

This comprehensive study analyzed the various challenges and significant gaps that exist in the dissemination of spaces that promote the digital inclusion of people with any type of disability in three Portuguese-speaking countries, namely Angola, Brazil and Portugal. These spaces, such as Disability Support Associations or Digital Inclusion Resource Centers, provide services and resources to increase the autonomy, independence, accessibility, communication and, consequently, the quality of life of these people.
To ensure that People with Disabilities (PwD) are aware of and have access to these spaces, it is important to promote them effectively, increasing their usefulness and impact on the community that needs them.
Using a qualitative approach, 16 semi-structured interviews were conducted on the communication process of each space, with stakeholders including administrators, managers, coordinators or heads of the communication departments of different spaces promoting digital inclusion. The data collected in these interviews was analyzed using NVivo software, categorizing it; identifying response patterns; and cross-referencing the data. This allowed us to identify gaps and challenges that affect the effectiveness of its promotion.
The results show a significant gap in communication strategies, highlighted as the main challenge in disseminating these spaces. Other gaps identified include limited time to devote to disseminating these spaces, lack of communication skills, insufficient financial resources and reluctance to join communication channels.
Based on the analysis of the interviews, this paper highlights the need to fill these gaps and develop more effective dissemination strategies. The results of this study can contribute to improve the digital inclusion of PwD and serve as a basis for the development of future communication campaigns aimed at promoting this type of space.