Factually! with Adam Conover

What Tech Gets Wrong About Disability with Ashley Shew

Dec 13, 2023

In this episode, Adam Conover speaks with Ashley Shew, author of "Against Technoableism," about the misconceptions and challenges surrounding technology and disability. They discuss how technology should impact the lives of disabled individuals and the tendency to view disability as a problem to be solved. The conversation also explores the definition of disability, the importance of inclusive measures, and the limitations of technology in improving the lives of disabled individuals.

01:06:09

Episode guests

Ashley Shew

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Disability technologies should prioritize the desires and needs of disabled individuals, rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach.

Recognizing the diverse and nuanced experiences of disability is crucial for understanding and addressing the needs and desires of disabled individuals.

Challenging ableism and engaging with disabled voices and desires can lead to the development of inclusive technologies that empower and support disabled individuals.

Deep dives

The Problem with Disability Technology

Many disability technologies, such as exoskeletons, are often designed without the input or desires of disabled people in mind. These technologies often assume a one-size-fits-all approach, failing to consider the varying needs and experiences of disabled individuals. They can overlook important aspects like maintenance, cost, and access. Additionally, the marketing of disability technology tends to perpetuate ableist narratives, framing disability as a problem to be fixed rather than recognizing the autonomy and agency of disabled individuals. The focus should shift towards centering the desires and experiences of disabled people and developing technologies that truly meet their needs.

Introduction

4min

Techno Ableism and the Problem with Assistive Devices

28min

Exploring the Definition of Disability

4min

The Social Model of Disability and Universal Design

12min

Protecting Personal Data and Discussing Technology and Disability

5min

Challenging the Idealization of Technology for Disability

18min

Interview with Ashley Shew and Patreon Support

2min

Over 34 million disabled Americans, but despite the commonality of having a disability, there's still a social tendency to want to "solve" disability out of view with technology. As useful as robotic limbs or exoskeletons for walking might seem on paper, they don't always consider the practicalities of living with a disability. In this episode, Adam speaks with Ashley Shew, author of "Against Technoableism," about how technology is best suited to make an impact for the disabled and when it's only used to hide disability to make the abled more comfortable.

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