Rethinking disability in Amartya Sen’s approach: ICT and equality of opportunity

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the concept of disability in Amartya Sen's capabilities and functionings approach in the context of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Following a critical review of the concept of disability--from its traditional interpretation as an essentially medical concept to its later interpretation as a socially constructed category--we will introduce the concept of functional diversity. The importance of human diversity in the capabilities and functionings approach calls for incorporating this concept into the analysis of well-being and quality of life in persons with disability--aspects in which ICT currently plays a major role. When one contemplates these technologies, it becomes clear that factors such as accessibility, design for all, and user participation in development and implementation processes are key strategies in promoting equal rights and equal opportunity for persons with disability in the different environments of the information society.