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Disability and Technology

This comprehensive overview highlights the historical context and evolution of disability rights, emphasizing the role of technology in enhancing quality of life for persons with disabilities (PWDs). It examines key legislative milestones, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act, as well as advancements in medical and assistive technologies such as voice command software and adaptive devices. By illuminating the intersection of engineering and advocacy, this resource aims to foster understanding and support for disability rights and the integration of PWDs into the workforce and community, promoting independence and equal opportunity.

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Disability and Technology

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  1. Disability and Technology Charles Tubre Systems Advocacy Specialist Advocacy Center

  2. History of Disability Movement / Science as Social Impetus Advances in medical science: • Pharmaceuticals • Surgical innovations • Rehabilitation protocols • Assistive technology (folding wheelchair)

  3. Increase in Number of Persons with Disabilities= Political voice = Political Action Seniors live longer Rates of disability 38% men over 65 39% women over 65 Expanded political base Stronger political voice Total % with Disability

  4. Societal Impact • Assertion of individual rights • Physical access/Civil rights legislation • Architectural Barriers Act, 1968 • Building codes • Rehab Act of 1974, 1978 amendments/CIL (Independent Living Philosophy) • Fair House Act, 1988 • Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990 • Help America Vote Act (HAVA), 2002

  5. Independent Living Philosophy • Equal opportunity: education, employment, social participation • Community based supports and services • Self-directed • CILs/Advocacy • Attendant Care/Waivers • Transportation • Housing • Employment

  6. Why should I Care about Disability Rights History? Engineers As Enablers Engineers As Wayfinders Engineers As Agents of Social Change

  7. Work Resource • People with disabilities as human resource • Investment capital to realize full value • 30% of people in LA have one or more disabilities (16 y.o and older) • Nationally 24.5% of people have one or more disabilities (16 y.o and older) • Nationally 76% of people with disabilities are not working • “A brain is a brain is a brain…”

  8. The Workplace • Accessible work environment • Physical barriers - wheelchair ramps, work station, restrooms • Attitudinal barrier - training for management and co-workers • Assistive Technology: Voice Command software Adaptive keyboard

  9. Assistive Technology • Enabling Tools • Fundamental to work • Examples: Computers, Adaptive Keyboard, etc. • Availability • Access/affordability

  10. An Example • Power wheelchair • Modified vehicle • Computer • Voice command software • Adaptive keyboard • Accessible Public Transit • Lifeline • (Others: cell phones, speakerphones, internet, e-mail…)

  11. Summary Technology is a by-product of science • Science enables: • More people living longer • More people living longer after trauma/disease • With Technology: • Work is possible for PWDs • PWDs are a valuable human resource • Independent living is made possible • Quality of life is enhanced

  12. Engineers as Enablers Essential to productivity for PWDs

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