Technology, Disability, and Technoableism

Overview

ABOUT THE COURSE:

"Technology, Disability and Techno-Ableism" is a four-week course on disability, technology, accessibility, and AI. It introduces learners to concepts such as ableism, techno-ableism, assistive technologies, universal design, and accessibility.

The course looks at both the possibilities and limitations of technology and the ways in which it can support access, participation, and the everyday life of persons with disabilities. Drawing from disability studies, law, and lived experience, it asks how technologies are imagined, designed, and used, and what it means to build more inclusive worlds.INTENDED AUDIENCE:

• Learners who have completed Class XII or equivalent • Students entering technology, design, policy, law, social work, or governance • Early-career professionals seeking orientation to disability and access • No technical, legal, or medical background requiredINDUSTRY SUPPORT:

This course will be valued by technology and product companies, design and UX firms, public-sector digital services, and organisations working on responsible AI and accessibility.

It supports roles involving inclusive design, digital governance, accessibility auditing, and ethical technology development across industry and public service contexts.

Syllabus

• Week 1: Introduction to Disability Studies and Ableism
Definitions of Disability and Ableism
Historical Context and Perspectives
Introduction to Disability Studies
Exploring Techno-Ableism: Concepts and Examples
• Week 2: Assistive Technologies and Universal Design
Overview of Assistive Technologies
Principles of Universal Design
Case Studies: Successful Assistive Tech
Challenges in Designing for Accessibility
• Week 3: Technology and Accessibility
Web and Digital Accessibility Standards
AI and Machine Learning: Applications and Concerns
Legal and Policy Frameworks
Critical Analysis: Technology's Role in Accessibility
• Week 4: Building Inclusive Technologies
Lived Experiences and User-Centric Design
Innovations in Inclusive Design
Ethical Considerations in Tech Development
Future Directions: Towards Inclusive Worlds
• Evaluation and Assignments
Weekly quizzes on key concepts
Participation in discussion forums
Final project: Design proposal for an inclusive technology solution
• Resources and Readings
Core textbook on accessibility and technology
Selected articles from disability studies and technology journals
Online resources and toolkits for universal design and accessibility
• Industry Applications
Guest lectures from industry professionals
Case studies on real-world applications in tech and design firms
Exploring career pathways in accessibility and inclusive design

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Taught by

Prof. Amita Dhanda, Prof. Nilesh Singit

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Subjects

Social Sciences