In this encyclopedia chapter, the authors discuss the interplay between mobility, disability, and personhood and the potential for technology to redefine these concepts and reveal a new understanding of mobility disability. Mobility and disability are concepts that describe the abilities and inabilities to move, travel freely, and carry out life tasks independently. Several models explain this connection. The biomedical model of disability finds a connection between bodily experiences and experiences of exclusion, while the social model of disability sees the responsibility for mobility disability lies in society’s lack of accommodations. Other contemporary models, such as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), marry these concepts and represent a new wave of evolving definitions for mobility and disability. How mobility and disability are defined influence individuals’ acceptance of their condition and cultural phenomena including stigma, discrimination, and advocacy for disability rights. This extends to the concept of personhood and self-identity; the mobility limitations of someone with a disability affect their self-identity, dignifying experiences, and acknowledgement by society of how they should live and make decisions. However, the social roles of people with a mobility disability may be influenced by external assists, such as technology, which has the potential to champion social change. In particular, technology unifies the concepts of “self” and “movement.” It provides an avenue to challenge the status quo around what functions define “mobility” and what further innovation is needed to invite people with disabilities into spaces they have previously been excluded from. Assistive technology affects the identity of people with mobility disabilities as it presents an opportunity to achieve both bodily empowerment and social recognition and access in society.

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Mobility, Disability, and Self-Identity

  • Michelle Yang,
  • Irfan Manji,
  • Jeff Jutai

摘要

In this encyclopedia chapter, the authors discuss the interplay between mobility, disability, and personhood and the potential for technology to redefine these concepts and reveal a new understanding of mobility disability. Mobility and disability are concepts that describe the abilities and inabilities to move, travel freely, and carry out life tasks independently. Several models explain this connection. The biomedical model of disability finds a connection between bodily experiences and experiences of exclusion, while the social model of disability sees the responsibility for mobility disability lies in society’s lack of accommodations. Other contemporary models, such as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF), marry these concepts and represent a new wave of evolving definitions for mobility and disability. How mobility and disability are defined influence individuals’ acceptance of their condition and cultural phenomena including stigma, discrimination, and advocacy for disability rights. This extends to the concept of personhood and self-identity; the mobility limitations of someone with a disability affect their self-identity, dignifying experiences, and acknowledgement by society of how they should live and make decisions. However, the social roles of people with a mobility disability may be influenced by external assists, such as technology, which has the potential to champion social change. In particular, technology unifies the concepts of “self” and “movement.” It provides an avenue to challenge the status quo around what functions define “mobility” and what further innovation is needed to invite people with disabilities into spaces they have previously been excluded from. Assistive technology affects the identity of people with mobility disabilities as it presents an opportunity to achieve both bodily empowerment and social recognition and access in society.