Running Head: DISABILITY AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY

Disability and the Use of Technology

Amina Jaffer

Michigan Islamic Academy

DISABILITY AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY 2

Abstract

Much of today’s world runs on technology, but did you know individuals with a disability

are far less likely to use technology than anyone else? Individuals with a disability do

things a little bit differently than everyone else. Technology could potentially help these

individuals greatly, but there are many barriers such as affordability, physical

accessibility, and adaptability. “Will I still be able to pay my water bill if I buy this

item?” “Will I still be able to pay for transportation if I buy this item?” These are

questions people ask themselves before making a large purchase. Per my research,

individuals with a disability make about half of what an aver age American makes.

Physical accessibility is also very important if an individual is unable to hold the device.

They may need to get a specific kind of assistive technology that will benefit them the

most. However, getting custom made technology could become very pricey very

quickly. Every individual with a disability has a different mental capacity, making it very

difficult for some to adapt to newer technology. There are many other ayaat in the Quran

that talk about the way we should treat people with a disability. There are many ayaat that

can relate back to disability.

DISABILITY AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY 3

Disability and the Use of Technology

There were nearly 40 million Americans with a disability in 2015, which was

about 12.6% of the United States population (Bialik, 2017). Per dictionary.com, disability

is defined as a physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or

activities. Individuals with a disability must find different ways to do everyday tasks that

the average healthy person does not think about. Assistive technology is any type of

technology that helps maintain or improve the capabilities of a person with a disability.

In Joan Green’s book, The Ultimate Guide to Assistive Technology in Special Education:

Resources for Education, Intervention, and Rehabilitation, she stated “The worlds of

assistive technology, educational technology, and mainstream technology are merging.

This change is happening so fast that it is difficult to stay on top of the many new ways

technology can be used to help people of all ages who have subtle or debilitating

challenges” (Green, 2011, pg. 2). Technology can be of assistance to many individuals

with disabilities, it can help people to communicate with those around them to fulfill their

basic needs, and even help communicate with a potential employer. Every person with a

disability faces different challenges because they are all at unique mental and physical

levels. There may be potential challenges for people with disabilities in using technology.

Individuals with disabilities are less likely to use technology because there are many

barriers such as affordability, physical accessibility, and adaptability.

Assistive technology has various benefits for individuals with a disability,

especially those who are searching for employment. There are many stereotypes about

individuals with a disability, such as “People with disabilities may be presumed to be

helpless, unable to care for themselves, or unable to make their own decisions. People
DISABILITY AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY 4

with one disability, such as a speech impairment, may be presumed to have other

disabilities they do not have, such as an intellectual disability” (Silverman, 2016). Due to

this stereotype discrimination begins to happen. In June 2015, CNN’s Ananya

Bhattacharya and Heather Long reported the story of Jordan Gallacher, a 28-year-old

blind man. Even though he had a bachelor's degree in management and entrepreneurship

from Louisiana Tech University, and can operate a computer with a screen reader, he was

still unable to find a job. The reporters mentioned the Americans with Disability Act

(ADA) passed in 1990 to fight discrimination against the disabled has helped in many

ways, such as making supermarket aisles wider, installing ramps at schools, and making

public transportation is more accessible but employment for the disabled has deteriorated.

(Bhattachrya & Long, 2015). Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “...older [aged] workers

are less likely to be employed regardless of disability status. However, across all age

groups, people with a disability were much less likely to be employed than those with no

disability” (“17.5 percent of people…”, 2016). In 2016, only 17.9 percent of persons with

a disability were employed, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported (“Persons with a

Disability…”, 2017). Many individuals find it difficult to find employment due to their

disability. To counter this The United States Department of Labor has begun the

Disability Employment Initiative or DEI. The DEI aims to improve education, training,

and employment opportunities and outcomes for youth and adults with a disability who

are unemployed, underemployed, and/or receiving social security disability benefits

(Office of Disability Employment Policy [ODEP], n.d.). Some individuals are also

realizing what is happening. A news station in Ireland reported the story about a hair

salon that is training individuals with Down Syndrome on how to do things like fold
DISABILITY AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY 5

towels and wash people's hair. One of the trainees said, “I have become more confident in

talking to people, greeting, and looking after the clients. I have become much more aware

of what it means to be in the workplace – arriving on time, dressing suitably and doing

the best I can in the salon” (“Training and Employment...”, 2017). Giving individuals

with disabilities employment helps boost their self-confidence, which will make it easier

for them to communicate with others, and they will be making money which can enable

them to access the appropriate technology.

Some people may want to use assistive technology, but find it difficult due t o their

disabilities. There are two major categories of physical disabilities. The first major

category is musculoskeletal disability which is the inability to carry out distinctive

activities associated with movements of the body parts due to muscular or bone

deformities, such as loss or distortion of limbs, osteogenesis imperfecta, and muscular

dystrophy. The second major category is neuromuscular disability which is the inability

to perform controlled movements of affected body parts due to diseases, deg eneration or

disorder of the nervous system. Neuromuscular disabilities include cerebral palsy, spina

bifida, poliomyelitis, stroke, head injury, and spinal cord injury (“General Information

on…”, 2012). For example, a person with a broken hand may be unable to hold a device

in their hand or use the computer. A person who is paralyzed may also not be able to use

technology because they cannot move their hands. Eye tracking technology is an example

of assistive technology. Eye tracking allows users to move the cursor on their computer

or mobile device by simply moving their eyes and head. Eye tracking technology can

range from $1,001 to $10,000+ (Mahler, 2017). Many Individuals may be able to benefit

greatly from technology, but due to the major wage gap, are unable to afford it. In 2014
DISABILITY AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY 6

the average person in the United States made $73,298 (Frankel, 2016), while an

individual with a disability made $40,200 (Yang & Tan, 2016). With individuals with a

disability making about half of that of an average person, it makes it harder for them to

get the special technology that will help them. Insurance may cover a part of the cost but

many times they choose to cover a new wheelchair for one individual rather than some

technology to help another individual communicate.

Many people are unaware of what types of technology is accessible to help them.

Most of this information is available on the internet, but many of these individuals are

unable to navigate the internet. However, there are many useful tools out there such as a

software called Job Access With Speech, also known as JAWS, which is a screen reader.

(“The World’s Most…”, 2017) This would help the visually impaired, and some

cognitively impaired individuals who cannot read. Black Window is also a great tool to

help enhance visibility and reduce distractibility of other programs by filling the screen

with a black background. As well as a software known as iZoom, which magnifies the

screen to help people with visual impairments read what is on their screen (“Software for

people…”, 2015). Smart Glasses helps people who are almost completely blind see a

little bit better by brightening the person in front of them for example and making

everything else darker (Belton, 2016). This is only a few of the many software out there to

help individuals. Even though this application is out there, not many people know how to

install and configure it. With technology changing so fast and about 1,250 new

applications being released every day (“How many new apps...”, 2014), it becomes very

difficult to keep up with everything that is out there. Different organizations have

realized that there is technology available to help individuals, therefore they have begun
DISABILITY AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY 7

compiling it for the public. For instance, public universities are trying to increase the

awareness of these opportunities for their students. Many of the commonly used

applications can be used for a person with a disability. Google Duo, a video chatting

application, could help an individual call someone for help when necessary. “Be My

Eyes” is another application that connects volunteers who can help people with a visual

disability. Anyone can call for help and a volunteer can answer the call and answer their

question. For example, if someone is blind and unsure what color their shirt is, they can

put in a call through this application and any of the volunteers can answer their question.

Technology is changing, which makes it more difficult for individuals with a

cognitive disability to adapt to newer technology. Fast changing technology causes the

older technology to become obsolete forcing one to get the newer version of the device.

Whenever a new product comes out, the manufacturers do not think about how people

with a disability would see or use it, making it harder for individuals with a disability to

use newer technology. Individuals with cognitive disabilities normally find it much

harder to incorporate new changes into their daily lives. When they first get a device with

new features and complete changes of the layout or design, it is very difficult for them to

adapt because they are used to seeing the device the way it used to be, and suddenly that

has all changed. For some disabled people, it may take longer for them to get used to

newer technology than others. If one type of technology works for one person it does not

necessarily mean that it will work for someone else; it is not a “one size fits all” type of

situation. Finding the right combination of assistive technology is also very impor tant.

There are many benefits to having assistive technology, and it benefits everyone, not just

individuals with special needs. Some of the benefits of having assistive technology in the
DISABILITY AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY 8

classroom include raising the child's self-confidence, helping them reach their full

potential, helping them become more independent, and making work more accessible to

everyone. The right combination of assistive technology could change a person's life

entirely.

People with disability need more time to adapt to new things. We should keep this in

mind and help individuals with a disability learn how to use technology. Allah says in Surah Al-

Baqarah, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear…” (2:286). This is a reminder for

us to be patient with the tests He gives us, such as a disability, or a family member with a

disability. The Quran does not use the word ‘disabled’, the term ‘disadvantaged people’ is used

which refers to those with special needs. (Al-Aoufi, Al-Zyoud, & Shahminan, 2012, p. 206) It

says in the Quran, “There is not upon the blind any guilt or upon the lame any guilt or

upon the ill any guilt [for remaining behind]. And whoever obeys God and His Messenger

- He will admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow; but whoever turns away - He

will punish him with a painful punishment.” (An-Nur 24:61) This means that Allah (swt)

will not punished those with a disability for the things they cannot do. The Prophet’s

behavior toward disabled people is an exquisite example for us. Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum,

cousin of Khajidah bint Khuwaylid, was a blind man. He was one of the first to accept Islam, and

was very eager to learn from the Prophet (saw). The Prophet (saw) always greeted him with

humility and respect. At times the Prophet (saw) would designate him as the Leader of Madinah.

As far as the Prophet was concerned, Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum’s blindness was not a

hindrance in his ability to carry out his duties. (Hamid) Allah (swt) tests us in many ways, but

there will be a great reward if persevere and stay close to Allah (swt). Allah says in

Surah Ash-Sharh: “For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” (94:5). This is another
DISABILITY AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY 9

reminder to be patient with all the hardships we endure because there is some wisdom

behind it.

In conclusion, “disabled Americans are about three times as likely as those

without a disability to say they never go online (23% vs. 8%), per a Pew Research Center

survey conducted in the fall of 2016” (Anderson & Perrin, 2017). Individuals with

disability are less likely to use technology because many of them cannot afford it, some

are unable to physically use it, and it is more difficult for individual’s disability to adapt

to newer technology. Technology has the potential to help individuals with special needs.

But there are many barriers such as price, knowledge, and physical accessibility. There is

a countless number of software out there to help individuals with a disability but not

many people know about them and much of assistive technology is expen sive. Allah does

not mention people with disability in the Quran except in the context of war. This should

be a reminder to us that we are all equal no matter what.

DISABILITY AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY 10

References

Anderson, M., & Perrin, A. (2017, April 07). Disabled Americans are less likely to use

technology. Retrieved December 05, 2017, from

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/04/07/disabled-americans-are-less-

likely-to-use-technology/

Al-Aoufi, H., Al-Zyoud, N., & Shahminan, N. (2012). Islam and the cultural conceptualization

of disability. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth,17(4), 205-219.

doi:10.1080/02673843.2011.649565

Belton, P. (2016, January 29). The tech giving people power to deal with disability. Retrieved

December 29, 2017, from http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35427933

Bhattachrya, A., & Long, H. (2015, July 26). America still leaves the disabled behind.

Retrieved December 07, 2017, from

http://money.cnn.com/2015/07/26/news/economy/americans-with-disabilities-act-

problems-remain/index.html

Bialik, K. (2017, July 27). 7 facts about Americans with disabilities. Retrieved December

05, 2017, from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/07/27/7-facts-about-

americans-with-disabilities/

Frankel, M. (2016, November 24). Here's the average American household income: How

do you compare? Retrieved December 15, 2017, from

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2016/11/24/average -

american-household-income/93002252/

General Information on Physical Disabilities. (2012). Retrieved December 15, 2017, from

http://hwa.org.sg/news/general-information-on-physical-disabilities/
DISABILITY AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY 11

Green, J. L. (2011). The ultimate guide to assistive technology in special education:

resources for education, intervention, and rehabilitation. Waco, TX: Prufrock Press.

Mahler, P. (2017, August 23). Eye Tracker Prices - An Overview of 15 Eye Trackers.

Retrieved December 15, 2017, from https://imotions.com/blog/eye-tracker-prices/

Hamid, A. W. (n.d.). Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktum. Retrieved January 14, 2018, from

http://www.sunnah.org/history/Sahaba/maktum.html

How many new apps are added to Google Play everyday? (2014, August 22). Retrieved

December 15, 2017, from https://www.quora.com/How-many-new-apps-are-added-

to-Google-Play-everyday

ODEP - Office of Disability Employment Policy. (n.d.). Retrieved December 05, 2017,

from https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/DEI.htm

Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics Summary. (2017, June 21).

Retrieved December 07, 2017, from https://www.bls.gov/news.release/disabl.nr0.htm

Silverman, A. (2016). Disability Stigma and Your Patients. Retrieved December 15, 2017,

from http://agerrtc.washington.edu/info/factsheets/stigma

Software for people with disability. (2015, March 28). Retrieved December 13, 2017, from

http://www.e-bility.com/links/software.php

The World's Most Popular Windows Screen Reader. (2017). Retrieved Dec ember 13, 2017,

from http://www.freedomscientific.com/Products/Blindness/JAWS

Training and Employment Opportunities: Beauty in all its Forms. (2017, November).

Retrieved December 07, 2017, from https://downsyndrome.ie/information-

centre/independence/beauty-in-all-its-forms/
DISABILITY AND THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY 12

Yang, L., & Tan, H. (2016). Retrieved December 15, 2017, from

http://www.disabilitystatistics.org/reports/acs.cfm?statistic=6

17.5 percent of people with a disability employed in 2015: The Economics Daily. (n.d.).

Retrieved December 07, 2017, from https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2016/17-point-5-

percent-of-people-with-a-disability-employed-in-2015.htm