視覺障礙長者數位能力與需求之研究

Abstract

本研究旨在探討視覺障礙長者的數位能力發展現況、數位能力發展相關需求，並探討視覺障礙長者間數位落差的情形。採用調查研究法，以問卷調查進行資料收集。調查問卷引用2021年國家發展委員會針對全國身心障礙者數位發展的調查問卷作使用，進行面對面以及電話訪談逐題訪問，做為資料的收集與分析。研究參與者透過社團法人中華視障安養福利協會，招募60歲以上視覺障礙長者，進行立意取樣，計有100人接受調查，包含女性43位及男性57位，共計100份有效問卷。本研究結果發現：一、八成以上的視覺障礙長者積極參與網路世界，但不到三成能夠獨立操作資訊設備。二、九成以上的視覺障礙長者需要輔助軟體參與網路世界，其中四成以上有數位相關課程的需求。三、數位落差確實存在視覺障礙長者間，包括第一層數位落差以及第二層數位落差。四、個人背景變項中的年齡、自覺經濟狀況以及視覺障礙狀況顯著影響視覺障礙長者數位能力發展。因此儘管超過八成的視覺障礙長者活躍於網絡世界，仍需關注那些未參與網絡世界的視覺障礙長者。資訊訓練的設計和安排應針對視覺障礙長者的需求，並考慮個人背景變項，以更有效地提升他們的數位能力發展。這不僅能提升其生活品質，還能確保他們在中高齡重返職場的趨勢中不被排除。除此之外，本研究顯示視覺障礙長者參與數位世界中的情況及統計分析結果，希望能夠以此為基礎，提供政府部門、社會福利機構及職業訓練單位對於視覺障礙長者參與網路世界之相關建議及啟發，以進一步促進視覺障礙長者的數位能力發展與社會融合。

This study aims to explore the current status of digital competence development among visually impaired elderly individuals, their related needs, and the digital divide among them. A survey research method was used, with data collected through questionnaires. The survey questionnaire was adapted from the 2021 National Development Council's survey on digital development among people with disabilities in Taiwan. Data collection involved face-to-face and telephone interviews, where participants were asked directly questions. Participants were recruited through the Taiwan Association for the Welfare of the Visually Impaired, with a purpose sample of 100 individuals aged 60 and above, including 43 women and 57 men, resulting in 100 valid questionnaires. The findings of this study revealed: 1. Over 80% of visually impaired elderly individuals actively participate in the online world, but less than 30% can independently operate digital devices. 2. Over 90% of visually impaired elderly individuals require assistive software to participate in the online world, with over 40% expressing a need for digital-related courses. 3. A digital divide indeed exists among visually impaired elderly individuals, encompassing both the first-level and second-level digital divides. 4. Age, perceived economic status, and visual impairment among individual background variables significantly affect the development of digital competence in elderly individuals with visual impairments. Therefore, despite more than 80% of elderly individuals with visual impairments being active in the online world, it is still important to pay attention to those who are not participating. The design and arrangement of information training should be tailored to the needs of visually impaired seniors and consider individual background variables to more effectively enhance their digital competence development. This not only improves their quality of life but also ensures they are not excluded from the trend of middle-aged and older adults returning to the workforce. Moreover, this study presents the situation and statistical analysis results of visually impaired seniors participating in the digital world. It is hoped that this can provide a basis for government departments, social welfare organizations, and vocational training units to offer relevant recommendations and insights for visually impaired seniors engaging in the online world, further promoting their digital competence development and social integration.