Myth 4: New technology is more accessible

Unless those designing and implementing the new tech understand the requirements of every individual, including people with disabilities, the benefits of the initiative ‘can be lost or overlooked’, said Goggin.

Not to mention the need to have deep understanding and capability to execute ‘inclusive design’.

“What’s worse is that new technology often brings new kinds of exclusion, bias,” he said.

He shared the example of automated recruitment tools, like robo-hiring. Through them, businesses can use digital platforms with online videos and screening tools for recruitment. One glaring problem with the tool is that interviews are often compared to “successful” candidate interviews.

“This can be a problem given that people with disabilities are not represented in most workforces,” he said.