Understanding the Assistive Potential of Consumer Technologies: A Case Example of Smartphones, Smart Speakers, and Internet of Things Technologies

Abstract

Assistive technology by its very design seeks to maintain, improve, or facilitate the functional capabilities of people with disabilities and older people. Traditionally, assistive technologies have been specialist in nature defined by the functional capabilities that it is linked to. However, digital consumer technologies such Digital Voice Assistants are increasingly building ever greater functionality in efforts to appeal to users, including those with disabilities. Aimed at a general market as opposed to being restricted to people with a disability, consumer products, with their lower cost thresholds, can provide a good ratio of social return on investment. Furthermore, the growing interoperability of technologies such as smartphones, smart speakers, and internet of things is building hitherto unanticipated opportunities for people with disabilities. This chapter examines the assistive potential of a range of consumer digital technologies and explores how they can benefit people with disabilities and older people. Issues pertaining to risks to personal information, autonomy as well as consent while using these technologies are also outlined. Finally, this chapter concludes with reflections as to how future consumer products can seek to balance the benefits that can be accrued from their use with concerns for respecting the privacy of people with disabilities.