A study of information and communication technology (ICT) among people with disabilities (PWDs) in Malaysia

Abstract

Information and communication technology (ICT) skills have become basic requirements to compete in the labour market. However, persons with disabilities (PWDs) face financial, social and environmental difficulties form a barrier to acquiring these skills. Thus, it contributes to the weakening of their competitiveness in the labour market. The main objective of this study is to identify the extent of the contributions of ICT in empowering Malaysian persons with disabilities (PWDs) to compete in the labour market and get jobs. The study used qualitative approach. 20 interviews were conducted with Malaysian (PWDs) who are working in jobs related to ICT and representing institutions from the public and private sectors as well as 10 interviews were conducted with officials in civil society organizations and decision makers in the Ministry of Human Resources. Data collection took nine months starting from August 2013 until April 2014. The most important findings of the study are that ICT play a key role in empowering PWDs in employment. However, the Malaysian government`s efforts in empowering PWDs in the ICT sector are weak. The study also found that Malaysian PWDs face financial, social and environmental difficulties in order to access sources of ICT which contributes to the weakening of their competitiveness in the labour market. The research presents relevant recommendations to deal with PWDs.