The struggle for technological self-determination is gaining significant prominence in the context of advances in assistive technologies, representing a crucial aspect for the rights of people with disabilities. This concept refers to the right of each individual to decide which technologies to use and how to apply them, something essential for all people but especially for those with disabilities who rely on these tools to lead a full and satisfying life.
Assistive technologies have been designed to facilitate the inclusion and active participation of people with disabilities, who stand out as some of the most advanced and committed users of technology. The principle of “Nothing about us without us” emphasizes the importance of these individuals participating in the design and adaptation of the technologies they use. However, their self-determination should not be limited to design, but should also extend to the right to modify and customize technology according to their individual needs.
Despite advances, many technology companies hinder these customizations through significant barriers. Digital rights management (DRM) is an example of how companies, while incorporating accessibility features, impose strong restrictions on technological modifications and customizations. This situation is clearly reflected in encrypted media extensions (EME) used in video streaming services, where any attempts at modification can result in severe penalties under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
The problem also extends to essential hardware, such as motorized wheelchairs, where users are restricted to making repairs only through authorized providers, leading to long waits and unnecessary limitations on their mobility. In 2022, Colorado addressed this issue by becoming the first state to enact a right to repair law for these devices, with other states expected to follow this initiative.
The impact of technological restrictions is not limited to external devices, but is also seen in medical implants, such as continuous glucose monitors or insulin pumps, where dependence on a single provider for maintenance and updates substantially increases costs for patients.
This movement towards technological self-determination highlights not only as a right of people with disabilities, but as a universal right, as many advances in accessibility have the potential to benefit a much broader audience. Improvements that positively affect everyone from parents with strollers to travelers with luggage, demonstrate how the fight for the right to modify and personalize technology is actually a fight for the rights of all.
Therefore, it is crucial that assistive technologies be designed with the understanding that users should have control over them, thus promoting a more inclusive and accessible future for all.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
