The Unintended Harm of IoT Devices in Independent Living

Date & Time

Friday, March 22, 2024 - 1:20 PM PDT  

Location

Orange County 1-2  

Description

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized independent living for people with disabilities but has also raised significant ethical concerns. This presentation will discuss the unintended impacts of internet-connected devices on people with disabilities and explore strategies for mitigating these risks. We will begin with an overview of IoT products and their potential benefits, particularly for people with disabilities. We will then discuss the ethical concerns of using internet-based devices with people with limited digital literacy and autonomy. We will provide examples of unethical practices observed in the field and explain how these practices can harm people with disabilities. We will then turn to the need for further research and development of systems changes and education to address the unintended impacts of internet-based devices on independent living. We will propose the formation of a professional workgroup of experts to research the issue, collect data, and determine if it is happening in other programs that distribute internet-based devices. The workgroup will also be tasked with developing a report with recommendations based on the information to mitigate the risks and promote the safe and ethical use of IoT devices by people with disabilities. The findings of this research will be shared with the community of people with disabilities, policymakers, and service providers to inform policies and practices to protect people with disabilities.  

Audience

• Information & Communications Technology
• Disability Specific
• Government
• Healthcare & Rehabilitation
• Research & Development

Audience Level

Intermediate  

Session Summary (Abstract)

This session will discuss the unintended impacts of smart devices on people with disabilities and explore strategies for mitigating these risks. The presenter will propose the formation of a professional workgroup to research the issue.  

Primary Topic

Independent Living  

Secondary Topics

• Digital Accessibility
• Independent Living
• Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
• Research

 

Session Type

General Track  

Presenter

• Tiffany Wilson
  Wilson Inclusive Solutions

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