Radio y empoderamiento social. Usos y gratificaciones del taller de radio para las personas con discapacidad intelectual o del desarrollo

We analyze the influence that participation in radio workshops (citizen empowerment –development of communicative and social abilities, self-esteem-, social visibility, understanding disability, and media literacy) has on individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This study, which is based on structured questionnaires sent to tutors and participating subjects, presents a picture of the current workings of a radio workshop, confirms the exponential growth of radio projects in the last five years in light of the new technologies of information and communication, and reveals a new scenario of opportunities for accessing the radio medium through the Internet ecosystem (online radio and podcast hosting). The high degree of satisfaction shown by individuals with intellectual disabilities who collaborate in these workshops is revealed.