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A review by shanaqui
Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement by Ashley Shew
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
Ashley Shew's Against Technoableism is a fairly short book divided into chapters that don't need to be read linearly. It has a few different themes: one is that technology isn't the cure-all that people are suggesting for various disabilities, and that even if it was, is that really for the best for people with disabilities, and is it what they want? And why, either way, is assistive technology often developed without reference to what disabled people actually want?
It also delves into the social model of disability, and spares a chapter to discuss neurodiversity (though Shew acknowledges that that isn't her lane, so she does a lot of talking with others). She points out throughout the book that the way we look at people with disabilities is often what is disabling: if we stopped policing how autistic people express themselves, for example, they would be healthier, happier, and more able to contribute in the ways they are interested in doing.
None of it was an enormous surprise to me; I've been lucky enough to be exposed to a lot of similar discussion through friends, discussions I've followed online, etc. But it's very readable and clear, and I think a good start if you're interested in the topic.
As a note, Shew does discuss why she became an amputee, though not immediately, and talks frankly about the cancer that led to it. If you have any health-focused anxiety, it's worth being aware of that going in!
It also delves into the social model of disability, and spares a chapter to discuss neurodiversity (though Shew acknowledges that that isn't her lane, so she does a lot of talking with others). She points out throughout the book that the way we look at people with disabilities is often what is disabling: if we stopped policing how autistic people express themselves, for example, they would be healthier, happier, and more able to contribute in the ways they are interested in doing.
None of it was an enormous surprise to me; I've been lucky enough to be exposed to a lot of similar discussion through friends, discussions I've followed online, etc. But it's very readable and clear, and I think a good start if you're interested in the topic.
As a note, Shew does discuss why she became an amputee, though not immediately, and talks frankly about the cancer that led to it. If you have any health-focused anxiety, it's worth being aware of that going in!