Social Inclusion of Brazilian People With Disabilities Through the Lens of Critical Theory of Technology

Abstract

Technology is one of the sources of power more relevant in modern society. For that reason, technology is a social battlefield and a resource under power disputes. Technology is created and adapted to reproduce and incorporate society values as social groups who control technology creation. Thus, none technology is neutral or detached of a context. Instead, technology is an instrument used to change our society, at the same time that is reassembled by us. Considering that, critical theorist Andrew Feenberg elaborated the "Critical Theory of Technology" which discusses issues about technology in our society and the relationship between these two interrelated entities. Based on that, this paper critically analyzes the relationship of people with disabilities movements and technology and society changes, particularly with examples from the Brazilian context. We finish this research emphasizing the need for discussions and critical analysis about the democratization of technology and how this can provide a more equal and inclusive society.