Flat Waters
		Welcome to PR*TEC Pacific Voices Curriculum Module Assistive Technology and the Culture of Disability page.
Assistive technology and the culture of disability A word about "disabilities" is in order. This Pacific Voices Project is housed in the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii (now with a name change to University Center on Excellence). We were honored to received this contract from PREL, knowing that assistive technologies are but a small part of a much larger mission. From "disability" to "diversity": a shifting paradigm We embrace "disability" within a paradigm of "diversity." We believe that the disability movement is part of a worldwide recognition of the value and importance of diversity within human communities. We are all stronger in diversity. This is relatively new thinking, as the disability movement stills carries baggage of "deficit" and "medical" models. Within the disability community there is now a field of specialization called assistive technology. Universities worldwide offer graduate degrees (including doctorates) in this relatively new profession. It is a complex and diverse specialization, encompassing the broad range of independent living, lifelong learning, and employment for people who are "challenged" in many, many ways. Access and "universal design" A core value within the assistive technology field is "universal design." Universal design is more a guiding principle than a reality. Nothing in this world is "accessible" to everyone. But as a guiding principle, it is wonderful. Many assistive technologies are now becoming mainstream, as we realize that "accommodations" benefit many people in unexpected ways. We all appreciate curb cuts, including the family pushing the baby in a cart. Many of us who are not Deaf enjoy and appreciate captioning on television. "Voice synthesizers" on computers are now utilized by many people who have trouble comprehending printed text. And "voice recognition" technologies are the coming thing: we would all like our computers to take dictations. All of these technologies were once called assistive technologies. Now, they are in our mainstream. home | about the project | classroom partnerships & cultural packages curriculum modules | resources | contacts | help | login to community