Implications of the information and communication technologies (ICT) in the socialization of hearing-impaired persons. A case study: Zaragoza

Access to ICT is an important issue in contemporary societies, especially in vulnerable groups. From a case study of hearing impaired people living in Zaragoza, we study the assumption of ICT as a resource for socializing as well as the opinions and asses on them. In general, members of this group recognize the value and importance of ICT to information, communication and socialization. There are differences in their access between deaf persons with knowing of sign language or without it. Trends such as the increased use of smartphones replacing computers or valuation of certain risks or dangers associated ICT are identified. The domain in the use of ICT is conditioned by variables such as knowing of sign language, the age and condition of digital native