March 7, 2023

Interdisciplinary convening explores the intersection of race, disability and technology

An interdisciplinary group of University of Washington researchers came together on February 14, 2023 to discuss the intersection of race, disability, and technology. The goal of the convening was to learn about one another’s research areas and interests and to brainstorm and refine ideas of possible proposal topics within the intersections of race, disability and technology. This event was hosted by CREATE: Center for Research and Education on Accessible Technology and Experiences in collaboration with the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship, Office of the ADA Coordinator, Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity, Simpson Center for the Humanities and the Population Health Initiative.

The convening featured a multisector panel of speakers, including principal equity consultant and CEO of Epiphanies of Equity, UW Medicine’s Investigation and Resolution Specialist, a UW PhD candidate and the director of youth programs at Open Doors for Multicultural Families. Their remarks set the tone of the event, advocating for attendees to question norms and offering perspective on the ways technology can be both a tool and barrier for disabled and BIPOC individuals. For example, panelist ChrisTiana ObeySumner noted that people associate technology with objectivity when it actually reflects human biases and disparities. Another panelist, Jennifer Stanton, identified a need for educating caregivers on technological tools so that devices, such as iPads, can be effectively used. Panelists also described the changing technological relationships in education, workflow and healthcare amid the COVID-19 pandemic to be a mixed bag: both hindering and expanding accessibility.

Attendees also spent time in discussion and brainstorming conversations regarding topics such as “AI and Fairness”, “Online access, ableism, and racism” and “Healthcare,” surfacing a range of innovative ideas for conducting research in a way that centers and amplifies the voices of disabled and BIPOC individuals. To further increase awareness and spur research sitting at the crossroads of race, disability and technology, CREATE plans to launch a call for research proposals in spring 2023.

Please contact the Population Health Initiative if you are interested in partnering to host a workshop or convening.