The Importance of Disability Studies

The podcast emphasizes the significance of including scholars from disability studies in mainstream conversations about technology and society. It highlights the common oversight in which the needs and perspectives of disabled individuals are often assumed rather than inquired about directly. This has led to a rich body of empirical research dedicated to reconstructing disabled people's experiences through accessible media, literature, and personal narratives. For example, the discussion recalls previous episodes that explored specific barriers faced by disabled individuals, such as challenges in public transportation, demonstrating the essential role of lived experiences in informing broader societal understanding.