Understanding Disability and Being Inclusive in our Communities

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It is essential that as our communities and societies develop, we take include everyone as equals. Minorities tend to segregate, and we can observe this in the social structures we live in, and we have created; it is incredible how our race, ethnicity, financial status, and culture, sometimes obligate us to follow certain rules that have been imposed by generations. But what about people with disabilities? Have we ever thought about them? I feel that sometimes they are left behind because they can’t adapt; the society in general is so desperate to innovate, create, compete and be the best. If we don’t live or often interact with someone disabled, it is difficult to notice how hard it can be for them to follow up with the rest.

The diversity model or “functional diversity”1 invites us to rethink mobility and acknowledge the diversity of people that need equal opportunity and participation in our communities. Understanding and respecting disability will facilitate a better design and development of digital technologies.

It is essential that as the new generations arise, we commit to contributing and promoting inclusive computational thinking to develop inclusive experiences for everyone. This commitment involves skills and principles that are directly related to accountability as thinking clearly, making reasonable commitments, and following through consistently2. Accountability will help us through this process, especially when working on group projects. We know that technology shape our communities, but we also must shape technology for a better future for everyone.

“Inclusive community tinkering with an emphasis on persons first and last, and in which technical teaching, learning, hypothesizing, and testing occur as infill.”

1 Wolske, M. (2020). Person-centered guide to demystifying technology: Working together to observe/ question/ design/ prototype/ and implement/reject technology in support of people's valued beings and doings. Windsor & Downs Press.

2 Stone, M. (2014). Own your education! : a student’s guide to greater success in school (and life). Pearson Education.

Comments

  1. Ryder DettloffOctober 23, 2022 at 1:08 PM

    Hi Priscilla! 

    "We know that technology shape our communities, but we also must shape technology for a better future for everyone." I took this from your blog post because it really resonated with me! Great post this week.

    Ryder

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  2. ToriOctober 23, 2022 at 1:33 PM

    Hi Priscilla,

    I absolutely agree with you that the future of tech is one that centers inclusion. People with disabilities have traditionally been left out of the conversation when it comes to much of the way our tech is designed, but thankfully I think this is starting to change.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sebastian LinhartOctober 23, 2022 at 7:38 PM

    Hi Priscilla!

    I loved your post! I too have shared similar thoughts about inclusivity. It has been made clear that the generations to come are the future of technology and inclusivity behind it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nick GrimOctober 23, 2022 at 9:17 PM

    Hi Priscilla,

    I've been struck by how long it has taken for the discussion of inclusion to include people with disabilities at a more prominent level. I completely agree that the future of tech must be inclusive to allow people with disabilities to thrive, instead of merely exist in a world geared toward the abled.

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  5. KaleiOctober 24, 2022 at 2:31 PM

    Hi Priscilla,

    The chapter really focuses on self accountability but you bring in another aspect and that is accountability for each other. I agree it is important that as we grow in technology we must strive to be inclusive to everyone. And while we have to make sure we are accountable we should always keep each other in check as well. Great Job!

    ReplyDelete
  6. superyingyingvOctober 24, 2022 at 7:24 PM

    Hi Priscilla,
    I am so impressed by your last catchwords. Persons should be emphasized on first and last, technology serves persons, all of us. Thanks for your sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Andrea's blog for IT 100October 25, 2022 at 5:26 PM

    Hi Priscilla, great blog! Among some other reasons, I chose my major because my dad suffered a motor illness that left him with consequences in his hands. Specifically in the mobility of his fingers. The simple act of buying gloves or soap on Amazon has been an ordeal for him. A society that strives to transition to technology must include everyone in the process. Visibility and talking about is a good start.

    ReplyDelete

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