A review by meredith_w
Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement by Ashley Shew

challenging funny hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

I love this topic.  I directly benefit from technoabelism (I am an above-knee amputee that uses a prosthetic leg), but I recognize that my prosthetic leg is only (at the best of times) an excellent tool (when it fits well) to navigate a world that is not designed to accommodate my body.  I 100% agree with the author that I want technology to continue to improve to benefit disabled people, but that technology alone is not the solution. 

The goal of 'eliminating' disability via technoabelism is ableist and unrealistic, and biased in favour of the non-disabled.  Specifically, our current societal structures and physical environments are designed for the non-disabled, and often technoabelism is designed for purpose of keeping the status quo.  Instead we need to adjust our mindset regarding disability - and rethink how to better accommodate everyone, for the benefit of everyone.

This book features deep dives into the impacts of technoableism for those experiencing neurodivergence and for amputees.  I wanted this book to keep going, and investigate how technoabelism impacts other disabilities.  I LOVED the discussion regarding how disabilities can be beneficial to space exploration - something which I had never considered before, but is brilliant and fascinating.  

I really enjoyed this little book, and will look for more books about technoableism.