Disability and Digital Inequalities: Rethinking Digital Divides with Disability Theory

Abstract

Disability has had a chequered career, when it comes to discussions, policies, and practices addressing digital divides and digital inequalities. Over time disability has become an acknowledged element in digital inequality approaches, yet still it is often passed over briefly, and not well understood. In this chapter, I argue that we need better theory of disability and digital divides. However, I also contend that this cuts two-ways: that we cannot have an adequate understanding of digital inequality and divides unless we engage with, and draw upon, critical theories of disability. To make this case, the chapter reviews how disability has been regarded in digital divide and associated digital inequality and inclusion literature. With some exceptions, I suggest digital divide research is fissured by a theoretical awareness of contemporary disability research and, especially, theories of disability. To redress this, I look at what an adequate critical theory of disability and technology can tell us. I also propose key elements of an ideal approach to digital inequality that are evident when we do rethink the digital divide via disability theory.