In this installment of CCCs Weekly Computing News, we’re sharing an important report by the Center for Democracy & Technology that addresses the need for better data that can inform equitable policies for individuals with disabilities. 

To Reduce Disability Bias in Technology, Start With Disability Data

The interaction between people with disabilities and technology often leads to discriminatory impacts across critical areas such as employment, benefits, and healthcare. Automated decision tools used in hiring processes can unfairly disadvantage disabled applicants by misinterpreting aspects like vocal cadence or eye movements, effectively excluding them from job opportunities. 

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach known as disability data justice. This approach advocates for collecting disability data alongside other demographic information, ensuring data privacy and accessibility, and developing more inclusive methods for defining and collecting disability-related data. It emphasizes the involvement of disabled individuals at every stage of technology development, from creation and deployment to auditing and policy-making. By centering disabled voices and expertise in these processes, researchers can mitigate biases rooted in inadequate or skewed data sets.

Furthermore, embracing a growth mindset around disability data means recognizing that current shortcomings can be addressed through better collection practices and more inclusive methodologies. 

The goal is to foster algorithmic systems that not only avoid discrimination but actively promote the well-being and inclusion of people with disabilities in all facets of society.

Read the full report here.