ICT-based assistive technology as the extension of human eyes: technological empowerment and social inclusion of visually impaired people in China

Abstract

ABSTRACT By employing a theoretical model of Comprehensive Assistive Technology (CAT), this study aims to examine the impact of Information and Communication Technology-based assistive technology (ICT-based AT) on both the working and social activities of visually impaired people (VIP) in non-Western societies of China, with an emphasis on benefits, risks, problems, and comparisons to visually-abled people, utilizing participant observation and in-depth interviews with 16 VIP who work in blind massage shops. We maintain that ICT-based AT, as the eyes of VIP, benefits these individuals greatly in humanistic and social areas such as empowerment and social inclusion, but also causes new communication problems. The study contributes theoretically to this field by enriching the literature concerning the activity attributes of the CAT model, and critically reflecting on technology overuse and media overconsumption among VIP.