This term I'm also taking a disability studies class. One of the issues addressed in the class is defining disability. A medical model defines disability in a physical way; an individual's deviation from the norm needs intervention to be corrected. A social model defines disability in an environmental way; society puts up barriers that prevent people from accessing buildings, communication, education, etc. A policy/legal model defines disability in a statutory way; the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Amendment Act of 2008 says "With respect to individuals, the term 'disability' means (A) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of each individual; (B) a record of such an impairment; or (C) being regarded as having such an impairment." 1
How one defines disability could have an impact on assistive technology. Is the onus on the individual to limit their actions to those that can be preformed using personal devices? Or does society have a responsibility to remove obstacles so that persons with disabilities are not restricted? Is providing assistive technology the responsibility of the individual or society?
I have to say that, like many issues, the right answer probably falls in the middle. The individual bears some of the responsibility but we as a society must make provisions for all our members. I think the ADA (and IDEA) show that our country realizes this sociatal responsibilty for providing this access to our citizens.
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