Flippin' Our Brains: Disability Benefits Everyone

Jaimi Clifford
Class DIS 300 Disability: Interaction of Human Diversity and Global Environments

Faculty mentors: Stephen Gilson and Liz DePoy

Abstract/ Summary

Disability is often thought of as an object in need of change. Accordingly, products designed for disabled populations aim to improve function and help individuals adapt to their environments. Curiously and often unrecognized, products designed for the atypical and extreme human often find their way into mainstream use, improving the world for everyone. This presentation analyzes the process of disability product to commercial success. We illustrate the “disability” genesis of products such as Doc Marten footwear, speech-to-text and text-to-speech software and applications, automated doors, and closed captioning.