During any crisis event, trustworthy communication is crucial for fostering safe and informed societies. During the Covid-19 pandemic, however, considerable disparities in access to reliable information (including vital health advice and resources) were observed; especially for migrants and people with disability. These communities are, consequently, more vulnerable to the negative impacts of ‘information disorders’, which encompass both unintentional misinformation and intentional disinformation (mis/disinformation), however, their experiences and needs remain underexamined in research and policy efforts to address the pervasive problem of information disorders. 

In this presentation, Ashleigh will discuss the findings and implications arising from interview and focus group discussions with 16 Melbourne-based service providers, advocates, and community leaders; many of whom have lived experience with migration and/or disability. A reflexive approach to Interpretive Thematic Analysis – drawing on Structural Racism theory and a Crip Studies approach to disability justice – revealed that a lack of access to reliable and trustworthy information about the crisis – including local and national policies, health advice/guidelines, and avenues for support – routinely led migrant communities and people with disability to engage with harmful mis/disinformation about the threat of the virus, the efficacy of vaccines, and potential medical interventions. 

In presenting these findings, she will draw on existing literature and theory surrounding evident connections between accessible communication practice and information resilience in diverse societies. She will also present recommendations for research, policy, and practice seeking to mitigate the social, economic, political, and health inequities that arise from (and help to facilitate) information disorders in times of crisis.  

Ashleigh Haw is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in Communication and Media at the University of Canberra. Her work focuses on understanding and advancing social inclusion in mediated communication, with a special interest in illuminating how marginalised communities engage with (and are impacted by) news and digital media representation of their needs and experiences. Ashleigh’s most recent research used Covid-19 as a case study to examine the social and health implications of mediated exclusion and mis/disinformation for migrants and people with disability during global crisis events, emphasising notable implications for research and practice at the intersections of intercultural communication, social policy, and critical disability studies.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://anu.zoom.us/j/85293466550?pwd=aHRXMVFZMUM4T1o2U0pNYWhkWjFJZz09

Meeting ID: 852 9346 6550
Password: 0000