‘Now that I am connected this isn't social isolation, this is engaging with people’: Staying connected during the COVID‐19 pandemic

Background The COVID‐19 global pandemic has put adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities at greater risk of being socially excluded due to physical distancing. Technology has been looked at as a tool for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities to stay connected, however, little is known about this topic. The purpose of this study was to explore how a grassroots disability organisation used technology to help adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities feel socially connected during the pandemic. Methods Data were collected through questionnaires, attendance records, and field notes; and analysed through trend and thematic analysis. Findings Four main themes emerged from the data: active leadership, mental wellbeing, technology/digital inclusion, and safety. Conclusion These findings suggest that when participants overcome technological barriers they found it easy to socially connect online during lockdown. Accessible Summary This study helps us to understand how people with intellectual/developmental disabilities stayed connected with other people during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The study has been coauthored by people with intellectual/developmental disabilities to make sure their voices are included on this important topic about digital inclusion. The research project found that if given the opportunity people with intellectual/developmental disabilities can not only attend online events, but also organise and host their own online activities. The project also found that people with intellectual/developmental disabilities were able to build meaningful friendships online and feel empowered when leading their own online events. This study can help inform disability organisations on how technology can be used to support meaningful social inclusion for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities.