The idea of ‘Access’ in the two articles, “Navigating through Ableist Architecture”, and “A technology gap between the rich and poor deepening US inequality” highlights the lack of availability with regard to technological and transportation resources for different sectors of society present today. It evokes a sentiment towards the necessity for attention required concerning Ableist architecture and technological affordability. Both these articles elicit the same idea through different examples by circulating a feeling of exclusion faced by people who don’t fit an ideal persons criteria.
The article “Navigating through Ableist Architecture” showcases the difficulties faced by disabled individuals as a consequence of unplanned, and inconsiderately built public facilities. Most people may not notice the inconveniences disabled people face, as the majority of the population is physically able and can manoeuvre their way around what is perceived as ‘normal’ and ‘basic’ architecture. Many disabled people consistently attempt to accommodate themselves to the restrictively designed public amenities built by the government or other private enterprises because other convenient options are unavailable.
The most effective way to resolve this problem would be through enforcing anti-Ableist laws. Additionally, if educational courses designed towards inculcating anti-Ableist attitudes are incorporated within school curriculums, Ableist attitudes may reduce drastically.
As mentioned in the article, nearly 20 percent of the population is made up of disabled people. Through the means of technological applications like ‘AccessNow’, disabled people are given a voice through reviews on public enterprises like restaurants, museums, and transportation services. The awareness of such technology would not only help other disabled people make safer choices, but it would also give commercial and public places an incentive to develop a friendlier and anti- Ableist environment. These solutions would help create more inclusive public spaces for disabled individuals.
The article “A technology gap between the rich and poor deepening US inequality” focusses on how the poorer segment of our society loses out on opportunities to grow and move forward because of unaffordable technological devices and skill acquirement. Once again, a particular division of our society remains at a disadvantage because of their economic situation. It becomes difficult for the poorer division of the economy to move forward and compete with the rest of the population as the importance of progressive technological skills increases.
As stated in the article, governments must assist low income households by facilitating them with internet connectivity and devices. However, this is not always a viable option. In the case of developing and under-developed countries, governments may not be able to afford such expenses, as basic amenities like food and water take priority. The only feasible option in such a case would arise if richer nations donated technological and financial resources as foreign aid to poorer countries for their betterment.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that countries must strive to build infrastructure and technology that would equally accommodate and convenience all segments of their population respectfully. If public areas and government enterprises are built inconsiderately, and countries allow economic disparity to carelessly exist, it would be unethical towards their citizens.