Disability inclusion via social media, advocacy

As we mark Disability Awareness Month this December, it is essential to reflect on the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities globally. This month serves as a reminder of the need for awareness, empowerment and active participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.

In my recent research on the digital experiences of Omanis with disabilities, I have sought to contribute to this conversation by highlighting how these individuals advocate for their rights, raise awareness and foster inclusion online. Through my writing, I aim to integrate Omanis with disabilities into the international discourse on disability, social media and activism.

A key finding of my research is that social media, particularly X, has become an invaluable tool for people with disabilities in Oman. It provides a platform to challenge stereotypes, demand rights and connect with others. People with disabilities in Oman use social media to share their personal stories, raise awareness about accessibility issues and celebrate their achievements. One prominent example is Shaikha al Jassasi, a leading social media influencer in Oman, whose posts about her travels and public speaking engagements demonstrate that disability is not a barrier to success.

Omanis with disabilities also use X to participate in national events, such as sharing photos on the viral #Omani_Eid_Snapshot, which highlights their involvement in cultural life. This online participation challenges the dominant narrative of disability as something that separates people from society. It shows that individuals with disabilities are active contributors to their communities.

However, academic research also highlights some of the challenges of social media for individuals with disabilities. The pressure to present a "perfect" image online can be overwhelming, leading to unrealistic expectations and potential negative impacts on mental health. This issue, while not unique to people with disabilities, can be particularly taxing for them, as they are often seen as representatives of the entire disability community.

There is an opportunity for constructive dialogue that could help frame their messages in a way that better aligns with the real, everyday needs of people with disabilities.

My research highlights another conundrum: The contrast between the way disability is represented by Omanis with disabilities themselves and the portrayal of disability in posts by the Ministry of Social Development is stark. Some of the ministry’s posts and actions, while well-intentioned and aimed at promoting inclusion, may inadvertently either construct Omanis with disabilities as agentless in need of support or fail to fully address the accessibility needs of the community. For example, initiatives like educational symposiums are often presented as a primary way to engage people with disabilities, but they may overlook the importance of basic accessibility infrastructure, such as ramps or parking spaces.

As a result, people with disabilities sometimes feel that these efforts, while symbolic, fall short of making a tangible difference in their daily lives.

Notwithstanding the shortcomings, I believe there is an opportunity for constructive dialogue that could help frame their messages in a way that better aligns with the real, everyday needs of people with disabilities. By ensuring that accessibility is prioritised alongside awareness-raising efforts, the ministry could help to bridge the gap between public initiatives and the lived realities of the disability community. The ministry could also reframe their posts about the disability community more agentively by not portraying them as helpless but rather as capable of making their own dreams come true. This could lead to more meaningful, inclusive actions that move beyond symbolic gestures to create lasting, positive change.

Ultimately, my academic work is driven by the belief that disability is an aspect of human diversity that should be recognised and celebrated. By making the voices of Omanis with disabilities part of the international dialogue on disability, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive world. Through writing and research, I aim to ensure that people with disabilities are seen and heard, both online and offline to make inclusion a reality, not a mere fleeting dream.