ORIGINAL-- Online social networking is an immensely popular activity, and people with disabilities and disability special interest groups are making the most of these networks. Following is a small sample of just a few of the hundreds of disability and rehabilitation-related communities on MySpace, Facebook, Tribe, and Care2.
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/.
MySpace includes more than 10,000 nonprofit and philanthropic groups. Searching the site, you will find approximately 200 related groups and several hundred profiles for rehabilitation counselors. Check out “Disability Entertainment News”, the “Social Security Disability Coalition”, and the “disTHIS Film Series” , just to a name few.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
According to a recent New York Times article, Facebook expects to have 200 million members this year! Over 500 groups related to disability and rehabilitation are on Facebook, including groups such as “Reframing Disability”, “Disability Dignity”, and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). You must join Facebook to view.
Tribe: http://www.tribe.net/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/.
MySpace includes more than 10,000 nonprofit and philanthropic groups. Searching the site, you will find approximately 200 related groups and several hundred profiles for rehabilitation counselors. Check out “Disability Entertainment News”, the “Social Security Disability Coalition”, and the “disTHIS Film Series” , just to a name few.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/
According to a recent New York Times article, Facebook expects to have 200 million members this year! Over 500 groups related to disability and rehabilitation are on Facebook, including groups such as “Reframing Disability”, “Disability Dignity”, and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). You must join Facebook to view.
Tribe: http://www.tribe.net/
Tribe organizes member connections around special interest “tribes” in particular cities. According to site statistics, 45,000 tribes of all types are active in the online community. Current tribes include “Disability Connection”, “Wheelchairs United” and “Insiders’ View of Disability”.
Care2: http://www.care2.com/
Care2: http://www.care2.com/
This site is designed for people interested in healthy and green living, activism, and human rights. Care2 has 400 nonprofit partners and only accepts advertisers who exhibit social responsibility. Numerous disability-related groups have a presence on Care 2, including groups such as “Disability Advocacy Group” and “ThisAbility: An Access, Awareness, and Inclusion Group”.
40 comments:
Wow, I feel completely out of the loop. I was unaware that there were so many networking websites in regards to disability. I just created a facebook page recently. I am actually going to try to twitter (whatever that means) soon. Thanks you!
Jeanette Gonzalez
This is a very interesting post because not many people know about the different networking sites that are available. I did not know about the care2 website, I think I'm going to join now. Lots of questions can be answered in these sites, regarding disability, how to cope, and even opportunities to help out and make a difference in other people's lives. It is also important for people to socialize and enlighten each other when they might be going through similar situations.
-Mariel G.
I think this is great. I currently have a myspace account and had no idea that people would network for disability on the site. The next time I check my account, I'm going to search for the groups related to rehabilitation counselors and see what I can find and who I can become friends with!
Nancy C.
This is awesome; I had a myspace account a while back, but I was unaware that there were networking websites in regards to disability. These websites must be great, they probably can ask others questions and interact with many individuals that maybe have been in their situation or know how to cope with something they are going through at the moment. I believe that socializing with people is important, the more you know the more people who you have to help you in any way that is needed.
DAphne J.
Excellent information
I am a member of Facebook and Myspace. I had not heard of the other two. My daughter joined an organization called Mocospace. (I assume this was not started by a Hispanic, since Mocos in Spanish means the same thing as the English word spelled slightly differently).
I first read about the use of Social Networking for people with disabilities when I was doing research into Down Syndrome. Social Networks like Facebook are excellent for people with disabilities because it allows them to introduce themselves as a person without the qualifing remark that they have a disability. We all pay lip service to the statement that each person has intrinsic value, and that we look into the person's soul rather than at superficial outside details. Of course most people actually look for superficial things like looks, athletic skills and being like everyone else. The use of a Social Network allows you to introduce yourself without those superficialities getting in the way. Once your new acquaintance likes you for your charm, humor, intelligence and humanity, they can discover the ability to overlook your not being classically good looking, physically awkward, or having a physical or intellectual disability.
The last statistic I read about Facebook was that it has 150 million members (!). In 5 years every person in the United States, and a great deal of the rest of the world, will be signed up on a social network. That will include 50 million people with disabilities. I hope it is the tool of inclusion and acceptance for them
David Whitten
I did know of Facebook and MySpace but was not aware of the many other networking websites regarding persons with disabilities. This is a good way to spread awareness of programs and other resources for people with disabilities and others involved. I had a have a myspace page but never use it and do not have facebook yet. I have heard of twitter but do not quite understand what it does and the purpose of it. I am not that internet savy but hope to one day get there. As Jeanette says I am way out of the loop.
Marla S.
I believe this is very cool!!! I didn’t know there were all these internet sites for people with disabilities. A lot of people can benefit from this. People can use these sites to get more information about their disability. People with disabilities can also use these sites as therapy because it could help them socialize with other people and stop feeling alone or depressed.
Gabriela Lozano
Thanks for sharing this list and for providing examples of the different disability groups on these popular social networking sites! I also wanted to mention one more that may be of interest to people. Disaboom (www.disaboom.com) is an interactive community and online resource *specifically* for people with disabilities! It has articles, blogs, forums, videos, etc. Just another one that's worth checking out. Thanks!
Emily
Disaboom.com
Wow...!!!
I had no idea that there was this many networking sites. I only knew of Facebook and MySpace. I think it's great that people are using it for the right reasons. This is a great opportunity for those who don't know much about disabilities to learn more and possibly get to interact with them. I hope people can read this posting and tell their friends, I think it would be intereting to go and look it up and see what many of the networks are about and promoting and able to find one that fits them best or one that they would like to learn more about.
Victoria G.
I didn't know that there are so many sites were people come together and discuss disability issues. This is good to know, people coming together and talking positively about disability. There are still good hearts out there in the world that aren't ashamed to bring up people. I'm shocked cause I never knew that these sites existed.
-Francisco N.-
I never knew about all these networking website, and am sure most people do not know about all these website. Am going to share this information with people that i know because People with disabilities can use these sites because it could help them socialize with other people and stop feeling alone or depressed.
Anthonia .F.
I am shocked! I didnt know there was so many networking websites for people or anyone with disabilities! This is a great post because I am more than sure hardly anybody knows about this. Lots of questions can be answered in these sites, reguarding disability. Good job for whoever posted this!
Technology has come a long way since I was a child. Networking is a great way to get issues out to the public. This is great for people with disabilities and disability special interests groups. Since being in this program, I have a great respect for the disabled. I do not even know why ones with disabilities are labeled as disabled. They have overcome so many obstacles to be where they are today. It was interesting to see how many groups there are on the internet. They seem to be more advanced than the “normal”…… I do not have a myspace or facebook. They are a little complicated for me. Kudos to those who have the time for social networking. Rebecca Griffith
woow I'm impressed to hear this. I would never even think of finding disability and rehab related groups on facebook, or myspace. I have an account on both of them and have never seen anything like that before. I am glad rehab communities are taking advantage of technology to network, or to just share comments or events. but it shouldn't be so surprising to see that they are doing what everybody else is doing.
Grace R.
Social networking is a good way to communicate with others. It is also, a great way to inform people issues that is happening in our society. By disabilites communities getting involved in social networking will be a great opportunity to inform others about disabilites.
Vanessa G.
All of these different sites are very popluar and it is great that they are encompassing disbility communties. This definitely shows a presence from the community and it is a great way to network with alot of people. I think the amount of interaction done online is amazing and it is important to take advantage of these communication opportunities.
Leivy Resendiz
Social networking is a growing popular activity that many people are doing now. I am glad to know that website such as My Space and Face book are being utilized for networking and are helping people with disabilities find groups and rehabilitation counselors. I my self have a My Space profile and I thought that it was just used for entertainment networking but I have been proven wrong because I searched for rehab related profiles and I found a lot of them and they were very informative and helpful.
More over I believe that networking is very important.
Brenda Hernandez
This is so awesome. I have a Facebook and a Myspace account and I have also heard about Twitter but I didn’t know of the other networks that offer so much for people with disabilities. This is really good because it helps people interact and learn from each other.
Evelyn A.
Nowadays that people socialized through networks, some times more than in person is fantastic that there are sites like this that inform and connect people with information about disabilities. Great idea!
L.M.de Lastra
I think having different networking sites is a great idea, because it is something that everyone can use,no matter what interest they have. It is very important that people socialize and give even those with disabilities the oppurtunity to communicate with others. In my opinion I think its great to have ineraction with others and helps you be in touch with yourself as well. -Audrey G
I am glad that these websites are not only used to meet people and to gossip. I am glad that they also offer information on many other topics. I have a myspace account, and I dont understand how some places have these websites blocked, when there is other uses to the websites. I am really glad that disability communities use these social networks because people with disabilities share experiences and being a network where alot of people see it , it also provides information about disabilities to the public.
i think its so cool to see that websites such as Myspace, Facebook, Tribe, and Care2 are contributing in this way. So many people with disabilities are so greatful to have this opportunity.
Annette M. CM1 Rivas
I think that it is great that several social networks like myspace and facebook have information about disability in their websites. This is a great way of informing others about disabilities. So many people spend so much of their time on myspace and facebook, and to be able to interact with disability communities as well is very informative.
-Monica A. (Case Management 1-Rivas)
I think that myspace and facebook and all those different social networking sites are a good way for people to communicate and learn about other people. They are a great way to useful information, connect and share info with other people around the world. I think its great that so many disability groups have popped up to provide sites to socialize online.
Diana O.
I think its totally awesome how the world is putting more programs for people with disabilities. I was completely unaware that these pages existed but its a great idea since myspace & facebook are so popular nowadays. I'm definitely going to check them out.
-Jennifer O. REHS 3303.01
Very interesting. Like the others i was unaware about these networking websites. I am glad to know that there are websites that help people in differents areas learn how to cope, and help others who may be physically challenged. I would be glad to join these websites. It is important for everyone to learn to socialize with one another. It will help build a stronger community.
^Cristopher A.^
this is really cool. i never knew or realize how many websites there were to make people aware of people with disabilities. this can also help us professionally!
-shannon
I think this is awesome and I have a myspace account and I think it’s cool because it’s for everybody and disability and getting to know people is a great way to become one with each other no boundaries.
Krystal R.
COOL!!! I had no idea that there is alot of networking within the disability community and many blogspots reguarding to disability, this blogging website alone is a whole new experience for me. I think i am going to start blogging and twittering more often!!
Janet S.
It's very interesting i had no idea that their were so many groups for people with disabilities on all of these websites. People can get a lot of information just by getting into the websites they are already signed in to. People should know about it.
Gerardo G.
this is great because people can become more aware of disabilities and pwd. these disability blog sites will prove very helpful to everyone and more people should become more involved with this...
justin r.
These websites are great i was able to check out the tribe.com website and it was real interesting. I even ran into a couple of good jokes that people were sharing with one another. Plus it has something for everyone. I really enjoyed this website and im glad that others have good use for it as well.
Crystal S.
I am not a savy person when it comes to computers and technology but it is awesome to know that all these sites exist for people out there who use their computer more than their own mouth. I personally do things old school and talk to people, I don't get the whole myspace/facebook thing but many younger people do it and it is alwasy cool to know these networks exist for futher information tools.
Aaron G.
Wow! Thats great that the disabled comminity is making networks and groups. There getting themselves out their into society making them more known.
Leah M.
I have never heard about this website. it is pretty cool. Not everybody know about this. I just join three websites. I did not know they had this many pages about disabilities. It is awesome.
Alberto
I think this is great. Myspace and facebook are one of the biggest networking sites. If bands can get discovered through these sites than these groups can reach out to people who are unaware of certain issues or people who need help understanding something new to them.
Vanessa M
These social networking sites are very popular, which is good that now groups that advocate disability related issues are in those sites as well. It is great in the sense that, more and more poeople can be reach now so that there is awarness and education of issues relating to disability. As well, as creating a more larger social network among people who work in the field.
-Sergio M.
Myspace started off as an entertainment / networking site to keep track of friends, however over time, Myspace and Facebook have become very powerful tools on the web. Both focus on charity work for others and use the popularity of the sites to benefit others such as people with disabilities. I fully support these sites and hope that they continue to spread the wealth.
Anna Lee Ocanas
REHS Foundations
Online
Facebook is an awesome way to network. I think it is a good way to stay up to date on the latest changes. If you belong to a group on FB then you are able to recieve emails and links for updates on such items as Ethics and Professional Goals for example.
Val
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