Interaction between Social Model of Disability and Assistive Technology

Research indicates that technological advancements that continue to be introduced each day bear a key role in shaping the economic, political, cultural, and social perspective of the human life. Modern technology particularly bears a great advantage for the disadvantaged groups in the society. Some of the key groups that continue to experience technological benefits today include the old as well as the disabled. Different countries have seen the necessity of investing in special technological tools that will enable these groups to enjoy equal opportunities as any other member of the society to enhance growth and development. According to contemporary research studies, adequate evidence exists pointing out that disabled margin of the society’s population continue to encounter great discrimination as far as full filling their rights are concerned.

Assistive Technology Different definitions of assisted technology exist today depending on the scenario in questions. Assisted technology may simply be defined as any technological tool intended for persons with disabilities to enable them to perform different functions that may otherwise be deemed as either impossible or difficult depending on their physical challenges. Some of the most common assistive technology tools include devices aimed for enhancing mobility including wheelchairs and walkers, software and hardware devices, among other peripherals that play a crucial role in allowing disabled individuals to information and communication technologies. A good example of such instances includes scenarios where people with complications such as limitations in hand functions in operating computers. Such individuals may be equipped with special computer mouse and keyboards with relatively larger buttons as compared to conventional ones so as to make it more convenient for them in carrying out their respective functions, individuals who are blind may simply use computer-generated voices to read whereas those with visual impairment of lower degree may use screen readers to analyze what they are reading, whereas those who are unable to talk may use devices that have been equipped with speech to communicate with other people (Ellis 96).

This is particularly essential as it allows individuals to learn about the information through the help of speakers or earphones. Most modern computer systems are equipped with such engines hence making it convenient for people with eye-sight problems to gain an opportunity of enjoying the use of such systems without necessarily having to undergo any stresses. Additionally, some users may also be able to gain more advantages through the use of braille. However, to ensure that this is possible, users are often required to have an additional external device referred to as a refreshable braille display. This device is often instilled with more than one cells rows of cells. As such, Social construction of technology Theory, therefore, sees the need for proving that human needs propagate them into coming up with solutions which result in the form of technology.

The theory highly advises that for an individual to effectively learn about how a give technological tool functions, it is particularly essential that the first of all be willing to analyze the social perspective of hat led to the invention of the tool in the first place (MacKenzie 32). The social construction of tech ology (SCOT), is often viewed as a methodology for analyzing the technological shaping of society as well as the social contributions in the technological field. This can, however, be understood through the interplay between environmental, cultural, political and soci0-economic factors in the development of different technological tools. Supporters of this viewpoint also go ahead to compare both technology and society with the relationship between art and society.

The main goal of introducing the theory was mainly to enrich school curriculum regarding issues of social responsibility among scientists, environmental pollution, nuclear arms proliferation, and risks are associated with nuclear energy. With the advent of time, the project began to gain worldwide popularity with more and more people supporting the claims of the theory. Although the theory is not yet fully accepted by each, different sectors continue to use it in the adoption of technology hence making it gain more prominence with time (Caute 250). Similar to other forms of technology, the development of assistive technology tools may also be analyzed through the assistance of the Social construction of technology Theory. As the theory suggests, the various assistive technology devices often tend to emanate from the existence of various sociological problems more so those affecting humankind.

As a result, this led to the use of the definition in the Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standard developed by Access Board. This came about as per the requirement of the amendments made in 1998 to the Rehabilitation Act in section 508 (Ellis 98). In the contemporary world, different assistive technology tools exist. This has been particularly essential for people across the world as most disabled individuals have been able to gain relevant medical intervention. This has mainly been enabled as a result of the adequate access to information technology by people from different parts of the world. Discussion The advent of assistive technology over the years has brought about considerable transformation in the contemporary society. People living with disabilities are now able to access the relevant technology that is aimed at aiding them into becoming better selves in the various activities they undertake.

For instance, the introduction of screen readers can be said to be an advancement towards creating equal opportunities for all people. To begin with, screen readers have enabled blind people as well as those dealing with visual impairment to effective be able to read about different materials available today. Traditionally, this population margin would not be able to learn about important issues as they had no means of doing so. Although screen readers are inclined towards assisting blind people to read, one may also argue that the technology came as a result of the increased information communication technology. As scientists continue to invent new technological tools, the chances are high that they are more likely to introduce new tools to test what they are capable of.

As a result of success in the development of text-to-speech technology, scientists might have opted to use this technology for a good course. As a result, this led to the introduction of applications that are inclined towards assisting bind people. In such a case, the latter came into existence as a result of the already available text-to-speech technology. The use of voice readers can be somewhat difficult for the learners. Since learners get to learn by listening to what is being read, it may be difficult to know the correct spelling of the words being taught simply since one cannot see it. This may prove to be a huge problem more so in a scenario where two words with similar pronunciation are read out loud (MacKenzie 31).

Screen readers do not fit in the Collingridge dilemma which dictates that its functionality may be outdone by other alternatives. In the contemporary world, the introduction of screen readers has enabled blind people to effectively meet their reading needs as a result of lack of probable alternatives to fit the purpose. The advancement in assistive technology often results from the occurrence of a scenario where an individual in need is likely to seek technological intervention. Most modern computer systems are equipped with screen readers hence making it convenient for people with eye-sight problems to gain an opportunity of enjoying the use of such systems without necessarily having to undergo any stresses. This, therefore, means that human actions influence the adoption of assistive technology and in this case the screen readers.