In Against Technoableism, Ashley Shew offers a critical examination of the intersection between technology and disability, challenging the widespread assumption that technological advancements are inherently beneficial for all individuals. With keen insight, Shew explores how technology often reinforces ableist structures, marginalising disabled people instead of promoting true inclusivity. In this review, we look at the book’s key themes, Shew’s critique of techno-optimism, and why this book is an essential read for those interested in the ethical implications of technology in society.
What is technoableism?
At the heart of Against Technoableism is the concept of technoableism, which refers to the ways in which technology intersects with and perpetuates ableism. Technoableism occurs when technological advancements fail to address the needs of people with disabilities, aren't created with the insights of people with disabilities, or exacerbate existing social inequalities. In Against Technoableism, Shew critically examines how contemporary technology, from AI to digital platforms, is often developed without consideration for the accessibility needs of disabled individuals, but more importantly how people with disabilities are more often than not left out or are overlooked in the conversation to develop new tools or systems. She argues that much of the tech world is shaped by a bias that assumes technology works for everyone, without recognising the nuanced needs of people with disabilities. Shew’s analysis of technoableism offers readers an eye-opening look at how technology can often marginalise the very groups it purports to serve.
Key themes in Against Technoableism
Shew’s book is rich with themes that challenge the status quo of technological development. One of the most crucial ideas explored in Against Technoableism is the need for inclusive technology. Shew highlights how many technologies are designed with an implicit ableism that neglects or even harms disabled users. For example, many digital spaces and tools prioritise ease of use for non-disabled individuals, leaving disabled people behind. Shew pushes for a shift in how we think about technology but more than anything Shew puts the emphasis on having the right people with the relevant lived experiences at the table and in the decision making process when new technology is being created.
The book also delves into the ethics of technology and disability. Shew calls on technologists and developers to think critically about how their innovations will impact marginalised communities, especially disabled individuals. She raises important questions about whose needs are being met in the development of new technologies and whether these developments are truly accessible to all people. As she points out, when technology is designed without input from disabled communities, it risks further entrenching existing social inequalities.
Shew’s Critique of the Technoableist Mindset
One of the book’s most compelling critiques is Shew’s analysis of the "techno-optimistic" mindset that dominates much of the discourse surrounding modern technology. This mindset assumes that all technological progress is inherently positive, often overlooking or downplaying the ways in which technology can negatively affect marginalised groups. Shew’s critique focuses specifically on how techno-optimism ignores the impact of technology on disabled people, who often face barriers that are exacerbated by new tech developments. Barriers such as accessibility, usability and especially cost.
Shew argues that while technological innovations can improve the lives of many, there is an inherent risk that they may deepen inequalities if they are not designed with accessibility in mind or are made so un-affordable it won't be accessible to majority of its intended users. In Against Technoableism, Shew calls for a more thoughtful approach to tech development—one that prioritises the needs of disabled individuals and addresses the ethical implications of technological progress.
Relevance of Against Technoableism in Today’s Society
Against Technoableism is incredibly timely, given the rapid advancements in technology today. As artificial intelligence, automation, and other digital innovations continue to shape our world, Shew’s critique of technoableism feels more relevant than ever. In an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, it is crucial to examine its role in reinforcing societal structures, including ableism.
Shew’s exploration of disability studies and technology is particularly relevant in today’s tech-driven society. With the rise of digital spaces, online platforms, and artificial intelligence, the question of accessibility and inclusivity has never been more urgent. By examining the intersection of technology and disability, Against Technoableism sparks an important conversation about how society must evolve to ensure that technological advancements benefit everyone, not just the able-bodied.
Final thought
Against Technoableism is a powerful and thought-provoking critique of the current technological landscape. The exploration of how technology can perpetuate ableism offers a much-needed perspective on the ethical implications of technological progress. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of disability, technology, and ethics, and it provides valuable insights into how we can create more inclusivity for all members of our societies. Shew’s work challenges readers to rethink the ways in which technology is developed and implemented, urging us to consider the needs of disabled people and to include disabled people in every aspect of tech design and the development process.
If you’re interested in exploring the concepts of technoableism and its implications for the future of technology, Against Technoableism offers a compelling analysis that will leave you questioning the ethical dimensions of the technology shaping our world.
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Against Technoableism - Ashley Shew
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