Inkluzywne technologie cyfrowe. Perspektywy, możliwości i ograniczenia
Inclusive Digital Technologies. Perspectives, Opportunities, and Limitations
Contributor(s): Grzegorz Całek (Editor), Zbigniew Głąb (Editor), Jakub Niedbalski (Editor), Joanna Sztobryn-Giercuszkiewicz (Editor), Dorota Żuchowska-Skiba (Editor)
Subject(s): Social Sciences, Sociology
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: disability; inclusion; social barriers; technologies; Inclusive Digital Technologies
Summary/Abstract: Monografia jest kolejną publikacją wydaną pod patronatem Sekcji Socjologii Niepełnosprawności PTS. Jest to pozycja, która stanowi wielowymiarową analizę roli technologii cyfrowych w życiu osób z niepełnosprawnościami, ukazując ich ambiwalentny charakter – jednocześnie wspierający i potencjalnie wykluczający. Jej struktura obejmuje trzy główne wątki: technologie jako obszar wsparcia i jednoczesnego ryzyka wykluczenia; dostępność i funkcjonalność narzędzi cyfrowych, w tym analizę infrastruktury i procesów projektowych; zastosowanie technologii w warunkach szczególnych, z uwzględnieniem pandemii jako momentu przyspieszonej cyfryzacji. Zgromadzone teksty tworzą całościowy obraz wyzwań i możliwości związanych z inkluzywnym projektowaniem technologii, wskazując kierunki działań, które mogą przyczynić się do budowania bardziej sprawiedliwego, dostępnego i włączającego środowiska cyfrowego. Wszystkie rozdziały zostały dobrze osadzone w najnowszej literaturze przedmiotu, a także poparte ugruntowanymi badaniami i diagnozami. Nie brakuje tu również nieszablonowych analiz ukazujących wyzwania związane z problematyką dostępności, a także możliwych do zastosowania i praktycznego wdrożenia rekomendacji. Z tego względu książka może stać się obiektem zainteresowań zarówno przedstawicieli nauki, jak i praktyków.
Series: Uniwersytet Łódzki
- E-ISBN-13: 978-83-8331-979-7
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-83-8331-976-6
- Page Count: 200
- Publication Year: 2025
- Language: Polish
Nowoczesne technologie i niepełnosprawność – między obietnicą emancypacji a wykluczeniem
Nowoczesne technologie i niepełnosprawność – między obietnicą emancypacji a wykluczeniem
(Modern Technologies and Disability – Between the Promise of Empowerment and the Risk of Exclusion)
- Author(s):Grzegorz Całek, Zbigniew Głąb, Jakub Niedbalski, Joanna Sztobryn-Giercuszkiewicz, Dorota Żuchowska-Skiba
- Language:Polish
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Sociology
- Page Range:7-21
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:disability; inclusion; social barriers; technologies; universal design
- Summary/Abstract:In the era of rapid digital technology development, the issue of accessibility and inclusion is gaining particular importance. Technological solutions, though theoretically neutral, can in practice reinforce existing social divisions—unless they are designed in a consciously inclusive way. On the one hand, these technologies offer new opportunities for independence, participation, and education for people with disabilities. On the other, if they ignore the needs of these users, they become yet another source of barriers. This calls for a deeper reflection on the role and significance of modern technologies in relation to people with disabilities. This chapter serves as an introduction to the monograph, in which individual chapters discuss various aspects of technological and social inclusion.
Skutki braku zaangażowania potencjalnych przyszłych użytkowników w proces projektowy na przykładzie rozwiązań technologicznych i architektonicznych dla osób niewidomych
Skutki braku zaangażowania potencjalnych przyszłych użytkowników w proces projektowy na przykładzie rozwiązań technologicznych i architektonicznych dla osób niewidomych
(Reasons for the Limited Involvement of Potential Future Users in the Design Process: Technological and Architectural Solutions for Blind People)
- Author(s):Paulina Gajoch
- Language:Polish
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Sociology
- Page Range:25-44
- No. of Pages:20
- Keywords:architectural solutions; assistive technologies; blind people; universal design
- Summary/Abstract:Modern approaches to product and service design increasingly emphasize the importance of involving end-users in the creation process. This article discusses the theoretical foundations of user consultations, as well as design methods that incorporate their perspectives. Subsequently, the article analyzes the consequences of neglecting such consultations by examining the thread named „Absurdalne ułatwienia i rozwiązania utrudniające życie niewidomych” from the Elten forum (a community of Polish blind people). The aim of this study is to highlight how disregarding potential users’ opinions leads to ineffective and impractical designs that may even hinder the daily lives of the very individuals they aim to assist.
Kreowanie inkluzywności. Moda adaptacyjna i potencjał sztucznej inteligencji w jej projektowaniu
Kreowanie inkluzywności. Moda adaptacyjna i potencjał sztucznej inteligencji w jej projektowaniu
(Creating Inclusivity: Adaptive Fashion and the Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Its Design)
- Author(s):Kalina Kukiełko
- Language:Polish
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Sociology
- Page Range:45-65
- No. of Pages:21
- Keywords:adaptive fashion; artificial intelligence (AI); inclusion; inclusive fashion; people with disabilities
- Summary/Abstract:The chapter introduces the concept of adaptive fashion, which is crucial in promoting inclusivity and integrating people with disabilities, enabling their fuller participation in social and professional life. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), over one billion people worldwide live with various forms of disabilities. Despite this number, the traditional fashion market primarily focuses on the needs of individuals with standard body types, leading to the marginalization of those whose bodies deviate from mainstream norms. The lack of appropriately adapted clothing limits their choices, resulting in a sense of exclusion and reduced self-esteem, while fashion should fulfill both practical and aesthetic functions. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) plays an increasingly important role by opening new possibilities in designing adaptive clothing. Through advanced algorithms, AI enables better tailoring of garments to diverse body shapes, the selection of suitable materials, and the testing of innovative functional solutions that meet individual users’ needs. The use of modern technologies allows for the creation of clothing that not only ensures comfort and functionality but also enables the expression of individual style and personality. In this way, adaptive fashion, supported by AI, can significantly contribute to building a more inclusive fashion market that meets the needs of all members of society.
Gdy wzrok to głos w słuchawce – technologie asystujące w codziennym życiu osób niewidomych, innowacyjna Be My Eyes w asyście wzrokowej
Gdy wzrok to głos w słuchawce – technologie asystujące w codziennym życiu osób niewidomych, innowacyjna Be My Eyes w asyście wzrokowej
(When Vision Becomes a Voice on the Line – Assistive Technologies in the Daily Lives of Blind People, the Innovative Be My Eyes for Visual Assistance)
- Author(s):Maria Stojkow, Laura Trela
- Language:Polish
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Sociology
- Page Range:67-83
- No. of Pages:17
- Keywords:artificial intelligence; assistive technologies; Be My Eyes; blind people; independence; visual assistance; volunteer interactions
- Summary/Abstract:Assistive technologies play a pivotal role in the lives of people living with disabilities, enhancing their autonomy and facilitating their day-to-day functioning. This article focuses on an analysis of the Be My Eyes app, which provides remote visual assistance by connecting blind and partially sighted individuals with volunteers. A qualitative study, grounded in in-depth interviews, was conducted to identify users’ primary motivations for utilising the app, their experiences, and the impact of technology on their sense of independence. The role of artificial intelligence in visual assistance and the users’ interaction with volunteers has also been given particular attention. The results of the study indicate that Be My Eyes is not only a practical tool to support daily activities, but also an important element influencing users’ psychological comfort and sense of independence.
Dostępność stron internetowych uczelni wyższych w świetle wytycznych WCAG 2.1
Dostępność stron internetowych uczelni wyższych w świetle wytycznych WCAG 2.1
(Accessibility of University Websites in the Light of WCAG 2.1 Guidelines)
- Author(s):Jakub Bucko, Aleksandra Czarnota
- Language:Polish
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Sociology
- Page Range:87-108
- No. of Pages:22
- Keywords:digital accessibility; disability; higher education; WCAG standard; websites
- Summary/Abstract:In today’s world, the Internet has become an integral part of academic life, providing access to information and educational resources. However, to meet the requirements of equal access, it is essential to ensure that university websites are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This paper focuses on assessing the accessibility of higher education institution websites in relation to the WCAG 2.1 guidelines, with particular attention to the needs of people with visual impairments. WCAG 2.1 is a standard embedded in the Act on Digital Accessibility of Public Sector Websites and Mobile Applications, outlining the principles of web development that allow individuals with various disabilities to navigate digital platforms comfortably. The methodology includes an analysis of website structure, layout, and interface usability, as well as an evaluation of content readability for visually impaired users. The study covered 16 public universities in Poland, each located in a different voivodeship. Using both automated analysis tools and manual evaluation, we identified areas where university websites can be improved to better accommodate the needs of users with visual impairments. Our findings offer insights into the current state of digital accessibility in higher education and provide recommendations for enhancement, aiming to support a more inclusive educational environment. The presentation will share the research results and foster discussion on future strategies to improve the accessibility of university websites for visually impaired users, contributing to the development of a more accessible and equitable academic landscape.
Między projektantem a użytkownikiem. Świadome projektowanie narzędzi ICT w obszarze niepełnosprawności
Między projektantem a użytkownikiem. Świadome projektowanie narzędzi ICT w obszarze niepełnosprawności
(Between the Designer and the User: Conscious Design of ICT Tools in the Context of Disability)
- Author(s):Joanna Sztobryn-Giercuszkiewicz, Anna Lulek
- Language:Polish
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Sociology
- Page Range:109-123
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:accessibility; critical disability studies (CDS); design; disability; ICT; participation
- Summary/Abstract:Knowledge about disability and accessibility is crucial in building inclusive societies, both in the human and infrastructural, spatial and digital dimensions. Social (mis)understanding of accessibility and disability issues, the deep-rooted medical model of disability and the lack of a user’s perspective deepen the designer-user gap, which in turn can perpetuate and multiply stereotypes and prejudices about people with disabilities and special needs. The presentation explores topics related to the understanding of disability by designers of modern ICT tools. Through literature analysis and interviews with creators of VR, AI and digital applications on disability, an attempt was made to show the impact that disability awareness has on the designed digital reality. In conclusion, an attempt was made to indicate how proper and continuous education and inclusion of people with disabilities in the design process can prevent and fill the designer-user gap.
Zdalne formy wsparcia dorosłych osób z niepełnosprawnością intelektualną podczas pandemii Covid-19 w opiniach rodziców i opiekunów
Zdalne formy wsparcia dorosłych osób z niepełnosprawnością intelektualną podczas pandemii Covid-19 w opiniach rodziców i opiekunów
(Remote forms of support for adults with intellectual disabilities during the Covid-19 pandemic in the opinions of parents and caregivers)
- Author(s):Celina Kamecka-Antczak, Klaudia Wos-Rutkowska, Mateusz Szafrański
- Language:Polish
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Sociology
- Page Range:127-141
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Covid-19 pandemic; intellectual disabilities; remote therapy
- Summary/Abstract:The educational and therapeutic reality for people with intellectual disabilities changed dramatically during the Covid-19 pandemic. Most institutions supporting people with intellectual disabilities switched to a remote mode of operation, which required adaptation to the new realities by people with disabilities, their immediate families, as well as therapists and institution staff. The aim of the research discussed in this article was to find out the opinions of parents of adults with intellectual disabilities on the quality of remote therapy and rehabilitation offered by day care centres during the first stage of the pandemic in Poland and to look for solutions to improve this process in the future. The results of the research indicate difficulties in combining professional, home and therapeutic duties by parents of adults with intellectual disabilities, problems concerning the implementation and conduct of therapy, lack of access to professional rehabilitation equipment or low level of skills in using computer equipment. Concern about the regression of the child’s skills and limited access to contact with friends was also a frequently mentioned problem. Parents’ demands included: regularity of therapy, constant contact with the therapist, adjusting the schedule to the rhythm of the day, training in the use of computer equipment, ensuring contact with peers or introducing a hybrid model – remote classes and meetings in real life. The research conducted was the first in Poland to report on a qualitative evaluation of remote therapy for people with intellectual disabilities during the Covid-19 epidemic. Further, broader research is needed to find solutions that respect the rights of people with disabilities to education and therapy.
Normalizacja teleporad z perspektywy pacjentów w podłużnych badaniach jakościowych
Normalizacja teleporad z perspektywy pacjentów w podłużnych badaniach jakościowych
(Normalization of Teleconsultations from Patients’ Perspectives: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study)
- Author(s):Piotr Binder
- Language:Polish
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Sociology
- Page Range:143-167
- No. of Pages:25
- Keywords:normalization process theory; patients; qualitative longitudinal research; remote consultations; teleconsultations
- Summary/Abstract:This chapter explores the popularization of teleconsultations as a form of remote medical care within Poland’s public healthcare system. It highlights how these practices have been adapted and the challenges faced in making them a stable part of patients’ everyday routines. The analysis is based on qualitative longitudinal research conducted across three waves between 2020 and 2022, including interviews with young adults, parents of young children, and seniors (n = 356). The chapter reconstructs how perceptions of teleconsultations have evolved, examining the arguments and experiences that influence patients’ evaluations of remote medical interactions. The interpretive framework is based on normalization process theory, which enables analysis of the shift from the rapid expansion of remote-capable primary healthcare practices during the early phase of the pandemic to the subsequent slowdown and reversal of this trend in later stages. The findings reveal that, despite the swift expansion of teleconsultations and the ongoing development of e-health tools, these consultations have been selectively and conditionally integrated into the patient-physician relationship. They are primarily viewed as a complement to in-person interactions, rather than as a complete replacement. Positive evaluations of past teleconsultations encourage their use in specific situations. However, the degree to which these practices become established is limited and is strongly influenced by health-related contexts and previous interactions with the public healthcare system.
Umiejętności cyfrowe osób z niepełnosprawnościami studiujących w okresie pandemii w świetle badań ankietowych na Uniwersytecie Warszawskim
Umiejętności cyfrowe osób z niepełnosprawnościami studiujących w okresie pandemii w świetle badań ankietowych na Uniwersytecie Warszawskim
(Digital skills of people with disabilities studying during the pandemic – in the perspective of survey research at the University of Warsaw)
- Author(s):Ewa Giermanowska, Albert Izdebski
- Language:Polish
- Subject(s):Social Sciences, Sociology
- Page Range:169-193
- No. of Pages:25
- Keywords:digital skills; pandemic; remote learning; remote work; students and graduates with disabilities; University of Warsaw
- Summary/Abstract:The pandemic period forced a change in social behavior and the operating conditions of many organizations, including universities. The need to limit direct interactions caused basic activities – in most cases – such as education and work to move to the digital reality. The impact of the pandemic on the conditions of education and the functioning of students has been addressed in many empirical studies. In this article, we want to focus on the analysis of selected aspects related to the remote form of learning at universities, mediated by digital media. The aim of the article is to compare the digital skills of female and male students with disabilities to other students studying during the pandemic at the University of Warsaw. The topics discussed include the possibilities of using hardware and software for distance learning, skills and self-assessment of conditions for distance learning, and participation in training. The presented opinions of the respondents on the availability of the necessary equipment for remote learning and the ability to use software allow us to determine the situation of students (with and without disabilities) during the period of compulsory remote learning caused by the pandemic. The article uses the results of a survey: „Studies in the field of remote technologies – education at the University of Warsaw in the era of the pandemic” conducted in 2021.
