Role of Information Channels for Information Accessibility to the Deaf during COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia

Abstract

Information is a human need, including of deaf individuals. Information accessibility for deaf individuals is much greater when compared to the hearing community, as the deaf need special services to fulfil their information needs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for information for the deaf became much more significant. The present study aimed to explore the impact of various information accessibility channels such as social media, educational channel, international institutions, and government agencies on the information accessibility of the deaf community in the city of Banjarmasin, Indonesia. This study followed the quantitative methods of data collection, utilizing closed-ended questionnaires. Smart-PLS was used for data analysis. The results showed that information accessibility channels such as social media, educational channels, international institutions, and government agencies have a positive linkage with the information accessibility of the deaf community in the city of Banjarmasin, Indonesia. This study would guide the policymakers to design new strategies of information accessibility for the deaf in the country.