Abstract

This chapter looks at the social construction of disability, design and accessible technology from the vantage point of individuals with physical impairments who life hack. The author analyzes related existing blog, online forum and website content through science and technology studies (STS), feminist and disability studies lenses and then contrasts contributor perspectives with common deficit model assumptions. In addition to articulating seven life-hacking archetypes, the author identifies cultural, political, economic and other disabling factors embodied in accessible technology products and services and rectified through self-directed life-hacking activities.