FodnessMemo06

1) Disability is constructed in different ways while using IT devices. For example, physical disability that prevents the use of one's legs has no bearing on using a computer or the Internet. However, disabilities which are already handled in many areas of the physical world can become debilitating in an IT context. Blind people are capable of using canes to navigate through physical space, but cyberspace (if not properly constructed) can literally prevent navigation by the blind, even though it has the potential to be more liberating than constraining. I would discuss the construction of cyberspace and IT devices for those with disabilities, and how disability is redefined through an IT context.

2) The regulatory context in which designing for disability is situated. Public policies that require design for disability, or lack thereof. Penalties that are ascribed, and enforcement mechanisms, and whether or not they work. Recommendations for modifcation to policy to address this problem.

3) The design of software. Tracking the design of software through the educational process, to corporate practices and internal requirements, to software that is used to create other software (such as Dreamweaver for creating websites) and whether such software has internal controls to force the product to make use of assistive technologies. Ways in which software is designed forming active or passive frameworks for accessibility, and ways that software could be designed better. Economic burdens on the disabled as a result of needing to purchase accessibility software, and whether they receive any government assistance for this or not.