10 Shew (2022) on Identifying Ableist Biases in Technology:

Shew (2022) provides insightful examples of how ableist biases can be embedded in technology. These biases often manifest across various stages of technology development and use, including the design, implementation, and usage phases.

Design Phase: Many technologies are designed with an implicit assumption of able-bodied users. This bias can be seen in several ways:

• Touchscreens: These often require fine motor skills that individuals with conditions such as arthritis, cerebral palsy, or Parkinson’s disease may find challenging to use. The design assumes a level of dexterity that not all users possess, leading to difficulties in interaction and usability.
• Physical Interfaces: Devices like smartphones and tablets are typically designed with small buttons and tightly packed interfaces, which can be problematic for users with limited hand strength or precision.
• Virtual Reality (VR): VR systems often assume users have full mobility and can stand or move freely, excluding those who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. Addressing these issues in the design phase involves considering a wider range of physical abilities and incorporating features like voice commands, larger buttons, and alternative input methods.

Implementation Phase: The deployment of technology without considering accessibility needs can significantly limit its usability for certain groups:

• Websites: Many websites are not compatible with screen readers, excluding visually impaired users from accessing information and services. This includes not only text but also images without descriptive alt text and multimedia content without captions.
• Mobile Apps: Apps that do not support accessibility features such as high-contrast modes, text resizing, or screen reading can be difficult or impossible for some users to navigate.
• Software Updates: Frequent updates without backward compatibility or consideration for accessibility settings can disrupt the user experience for individuals who rely on specific features. To mitigate these issues, it is essential to incorporate accessibility testing throughout the development process and ensure that updates do not compromise existing accessibility features.

Usage Phase: Technologies that fail to offer customizable options or alternative interfaces may not be usable by everyone:

• Fitness Trackers: Many fitness trackers assume all users can engage in physical activities at the same intensity. They often lack settings to accommodate different types of activities or varying levels of ability, making them less useful for people with disabilities.
• Smart Home Devices: Devices like smart thermostats or home assistants may require physical interaction methods that are not accessible to all users. Providing voice control or alternative interaction methods can help make these devices more inclusive.
• Educational Technology: Online learning platforms that do not offer adjustable settings for text size, color contrast, or audio descriptions can hinder learning for students with disabilities. Ensuring technologies have flexible settings and can be customized to meet individual needs is crucial for enhancing usability and inclusivity.

Mitigation Strategies: To address ableist biases identified by Shew (2022), several strategies can be employed:

1. Inclusive Design Practices: Incorporate inclusive design practices from the beginning of the development process. This involves engaging with disabled users and stakeholders to understand their needs and preferences.
2. Accessibility Standards Compliance: Adhere to established accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for web development, to ensure technologies meet basic accessibility requirements.
3. Regular Accessibility Audits: Conduct regular audits to identify and rectify accessibility issues. This includes usability testing with a diverse group of users, including those with disabilities.
4. User Feedback Integration: Establish channels for user feedback specifically related to accessibility. Act on this feedback to continuously improve the inclusivity of the technology.
5. Education and Training: Provide ongoing education and training for developers, designers, and other stakeholders on accessibility best practices and the importance of inclusive design.