1.Living in the State of Stuck” Chapter 4 “In God We Trust: A Brief Historical Review of Rehabilitation Practices
Where is the book?
I really like the idea of combining Arduino with blind education. Arduino is a great interactive system that is easy to get hands-on. The blind themselves know how the accessible devices should be designed better than us. Learning coding can indeed pose challenges for individuals who are blind. One approach to alleviate these challenges is through the adoption of low-code platforms and interactive block constructions. These tools should be designed to be accessible while also offering physical readability. Furthermore, the development of tactile circuit diagrams can significantly aid beginners with visual impairments.
3. Are Colleges Doing Enough to Make Online Videos Accessible for the Blind?
As online learning becomes increasingly visual, institutions must ensure that these resources are accessible to all students, regardless of their visual abilities. The challenges include not only providing audio descriptions for the visual content but also addressing the need for captions and transcripts for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Regarding the problem, I think it is important to create channels for feedback from students with disabilities to inform the continuous improvement of accessibility measures. This could include surveys, focus groups, and beta testing of new educational technologies.
The issues highlighted in the chapter summary revolve around the pervasive nature of ableism and the critical importance of accessibility in creating an inclusive society. Ableism, as described, is a form of discrimination that elevates non-disabled individuals while devaluing those with disabilities. This discrimination is manifested in various ways, from infrastructural exclusions, such as the absence of elevators in train stations, to societal attitudes that demean or overlook the capabilities and contributions of disabled individuals. Such examples of ableism not only highlight the direct barriers faced by disabled people but also the attitudinal biases that perpetuate these inequalities.
The mention of Seven Bridges tragically illustrates the intersectionality of ableism with other forms of discrimination, such as racism, showing how disabled individuals can face compounded forms of prejudice that can lead to devastating outcomes. This intersectionality emphasizes the need for inclusivity within activism and advocacy efforts, where disability rights are often sidelined or forgotten.
Accessibility, as defined in the chapter, extends beyond mere physical accommodations; it encompasses a broad array of adaptations and considerations designed to ensure that disabled people can participate fully in society. From providing quiet rooms at events to offering alternative formats for printed materials, accessibility measures aim to remove the barriers that prevent individuals with various disabilities from engaging with their environments on an equal footing. The common excuses for not implementing these accommodations—such as cost, effort, aesthetic concerns, or the belief that disabled people are not affected—reflect deeper societal attitudes that fail to recognize the value and rights of disabled individuals.
Understanding these problems requires recognizing that ableism is embedded within societal structures and attitudes. It’s not merely about individual acts of discrimination but about systemic inequalities that limit the opportunities and quality of life for disabled people. The fight against ableism and the push for greater accessibility are interconnected, aiming to dismantle these barriers and promote an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, is valued and can participate fully. This requires a shift in perspective, from viewing accommodations as special needs or extra work to seeing them as essential components of a just and equitable society. By learning from past ableism and actively working towards inclusive practices, society can begin to address these deep-rooted issues.