Scientist on 60 minutes discussing technology and disability: "Technology is freeing, removes the shackles of disability, and one day will eliminate all disability."
This view of disability is rife with fallacies.
This view of disability is rife with fallacies.
For one, there is the social model of disability which argues that disability is to be accepted, even celebrated, and that societal barriers not the disability itself are greater limitations on disabled people.
By advocating for eradicating disabilities, you promote an ableist view of disability that disability and disabled people are meant to be cured. That disabled people are worth less to, or a strain on, society because they are not typical.
You also eliminate diversity.
You also eliminate diversity.
Touching on the technology itself, what is the cost? Is it available to all? Will you eliminate basic accessibility features because these now exist?
History is not favorable regarding the answers to these questions. Technology aimed at disabled people is often classist, and too often society uses these technologies to excuse lacking basic accessibility tools or features that are actually cheaper for the masses.
This doesn't even touch on the conglomerate that is medical professionals and insurance companies that fail or refuse to provide such technology because of reasons, harass individuals, etc.
The "curb-cut effect" exists and is where a feature or tool aimed at a specific group benefits society as whole. So named for curb-cuts designed for wheelchair users that also benefit moms with strollers, the elderly, freight workers/unloaders, and others.
Disability is complex and disabled people are even more so. Technology is not a simple fix. Please do not market it as such or use it to further harm the disabled community as it exist now or in the future.
Article from @roseveleth that touches on the issues discussed as it relates to exo-skeleton technology. Don't use technology to excuse not providing access. theatlantic.com/amp/article/40…
