Building independence through connectivity: How broadband benefits Americans with disabilities
Bowling Green, Ky. (July 25, 2025) — This Saturday is National Disability Independence Day, when the country commemorates the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. For the 61 million Americans living with disabilities, broadband offers a world of independence that wasn’t available before the internet. The fact that Americans with disabilities have lower rates of technology ownership and usage, however, means that many are still missing out on the benefits that broadband can provide.
Broadband has the power to help Americans with disabilities navigate daily routines, access essential services, and engage more fully in social and professional environments.
Living safely and comfortably at home
For people with mobility challenges or chronic conditions, home automation and telehealth services, powered by broadband, can be transformative. Remote care applications can automatically alert caregivers when vital signs change, while internet-connected “smart” devices enhance safety and ease everyday tasks. This connectivity not only reduces transportation barriers but also supports aging in place, allowing individuals to remain in the comfort of their own homes longer.
Staying connected with friends and family
Social isolation disproportionately affects people with disabilities. Broadband remedies this by facilitating video calls, social media interaction, and virtual community groups. Accessible videoconferencing platforms can foster friendships across distances, helping users participate in family events, hobbies, and faith gatherings from anywhere.
Accessing quality health care remotely
Telehealth has redefined clinical access for Americans with disabilities. The American Journal of Managed Care found that in areas with robust broadband coverage, patients were significantly more likely to choose video visits over telephone calls, which can improve diagnostic accuracy and patient satisfaction.
Many health care providers now offer online patient portals for appointment scheduling, medication refills, and secure messaging; these tools become indispensable when in‑person visits are challenging. Furthermore, a National Bureau of Economic Research study revealed that Medicare patients with broadband access increasingly seek out hospitals with the best outcomes, highlighting how broadband can give individuals more power to make informed health care decisions.
Closing the Digital Divide for Americans with disabilities
Getting all Americans with disabilities connected to broadband will require a focused effort. Several barriers, ranging from a lack of broadband infrastructure, high monthly broadband costs, and challenges accessing current technology, prevent many people with disabilities from benefiting from all that broadband can offer.
To see how Connected Nation is working across the country to close this Digital Divide, you can visit our website or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or X (Twitter).
About the author: Chris McGovern is Director of Research Development, Connected Nation (CN). Chris works with CN staff and external stakeholders to develop research deliverables and provide critical analysis. He uses qualitative and quantitative techniques to interpret data, formulate reports, and make substantiated recommendations based on research findings.