Inclusive Communication and Digital Social Capital in Disability-Based Civil Society Organizations: A Case Study of Roemah Difabel Indonesia
Natalia Sari Pujiastuti, Suhariyanto, Viro Dharma Putra, Agus Edy Laksono

Department of Communication Science, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication, Universitas Semarang, Indonesia
Email: natalia[at]usm.ac.id

Abstract

Digital interconnectivity has created new opportunities for civil society organizations to promote inclusion, participation, and social responsibility. However, for disability-based community organizations, digital communication is not merely a matter of technological access, but also a communicative practice for building recognition, trust, and collective participation. This study examines how inclusive communication practices in Roemah Difabel Indonesia contribute to the formation of digital social capital and the public representation of persons with disabilities. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and organizational documentation. Roemah Difabel Indonesia was selected because it develops communication practices that are open, participatory, adaptive, and responsive to diverse disability needs. The findings indicate that inclusive communication enables persons with disabilities to participate not only as beneficiaries, but also as facilitators, content managers, public speakers, and organizational representatives. Interpersonal communication, community-based interaction, and digital platforms work together to strengthen internal trust, public legitimacy, and collective action. This study argues that inclusive communication functions as a social infrastructure that connects digital interconnectivity with social capital and community resilience. The study contributes to discussions on inclusive and ethical digital societies by showing that technological innovation must be accompanied by communicative practices that empower vulnerable groups as active social actors.

Keywords: inclusive communication- digital social capital- disability representation- civil society organization- community resilience

Topic: Strategic Communication in the Digital Sphere: Cultivating Civic Trust through Data-Driven Approaches (Digital Communication- Public Communication Strategy- Civic Trust)