This literature review synthesized research from 2000 to 2023 on the intersection of disability and information technology, with a focus on assistive technology and digital accessibility. The project identified research trends and gaps, presenting a comprehensive overview of how technology impacts individuals with disabilities.
This project was created in Spring 2024 for my Information Technology and Literature class. The assignment was to write a review of literature using a topic related to information technology. I instantly knew what topic I wanted to focus on- disability and technology. This is a topic that is personal to me, and a topic that I believe is important to discuss. While finding my topic was easy, I did initially struggle with finding relevant sources. It seemed that every article I found was not exactly the right fit for the topic I chose. However, through searching different keywords, I was able to find enough relevant sources to build my review. For example, searching for “assistive technology” rather than “disability and information technology” gave me more results that fit my topic.
This literature review explored research on the intersection of disability and information technology from 2000 to 2023, covering advancements in assistive technology and digital accessibility. I synthesized findings from over 15 scholarly sources, interpreting trends and highlighting gaps in research. This project required close analysis of studies, comparing methodologies, and synthesizing data into organized sections to present a well-rounded understanding of disability in tech.
By navigating digital databases and refining search criteria, I gained proficiency in academic research, while developing my ability to interpret and evaluate complex studies critically. This review served as a capstone for my analytical skills in both research and writing, providing insights into how technology shapes access and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. It also reinforced my commitment to ethical standards in sourcing and citation, an essential component of scholarly work in the technical communication field.
Overall, the project allowed me to work on my ability to read, interpret, and evaluate research studies, part of the Critical Thinking, Analysis, and Research program outcomes. I was able to practice synthesizing scholarly information into clear, easy to understand terms.