Disability community has long wrestled with ‘helpful’ technologies — lessons for everyone in dealing with AI
Disabled people are experts in using — and designing — assistive technologies. They have lessons to offer everyone about keeping control when help is offered.
By Elaine Short, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, Tufts University
You might have heard that artificial intelligence is going to revolutionize everything, save the world and give everyone superhuman powers. Alternatively, you might have heard that it will take your job, make you lazy and stupid, and make the world a cyberpunk dystopia.
Consider another way to look at AI: as an assistive technology — something that helps you function.
With that view, also consider a community of experts in giving and receiving assistance: the disability community. Many disabled people use technology extensively, both dedicated assistive technologies such as wheelchairs and general-use technologies such as smart home devices.
Equally, many disabled people receive professional and casual assistance from other people. And, despite stereotypes to the contrary, many disabled people regularly give assistance to the…
