A Research Agenda for Disability and Technology, By J.Seale (ed.), Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2024. 254 pp. £110 (cloth). ISBN: 978 1 80088 863 0 (cased) ISBN: 978 1 80088 864 7 (eBook)

Can technology alone transform lives? Edited by Jane Seale, A Research Agenda for Disability and Technology examines the role and impact of assistive technology (AT) within disabled communities. Through 10 chapters, it explores key topics such as identity-first language, ableism, digital inclusion, participatory action research, personalisation, AT policy, user-interface design and community-building. It invites readers to consider the limitations of technology, emphasising that, however advanced, technology alone cannot affect transformative justice in disabled communities—a crucial insight for future research. The book begins by discussing paradigm shifts in disability models—medical, charity and social in Chapter One. Meanwhile, Chapter Two highlights the WHO and UNICEF's assertion that AT should prioritise a person-centred approach. Chapter Three then integrates practical projects, such as The Meme Generator, The Rider Tool and Community for All (C4A), with theoretical perspectives. For instance, Alan Foley, referencing Balcazar et al. (1998, in Seale, 2024, 72), outlines participatory action research, noting that relationship building requires time, control over the research process may arise and unexpected consequences can emerge. Later sections show how the C4A team reinterprets these insights, underscoring the importance of disabled individuals defining issues and engaging actively in projects. Particularly compelling are the unintended consequences of participatory action research, such as challenging the status quo and questioning relationships with sponsoring organisations. Chapter Four reviews initiatives to create accessible authentication mechanisms, enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through case studies such as Authentibility Pass, HealthAbility Pass and EduAbility. Chapter Five examines the evolution of accessibility in information and communication technology, addressing guidelines, policies and standards. Even when accessibility features are implemented, they are frequently complex to navigate, which can result in exclusion; thus, technology must be adapted to meet the specific needs of users. The authors propose that the Individual User Interface Generator serves as an intermediary between users and interfaces. Chapter Six analyses the relationship between research and policy in ATech, using the UK's National Disability Strategy as an example and recommending that UK ATech research could benefit from ‘more discoverable and potentially include more broad-based studies.’ (p. 144) Chapter Seven explores the evolution and advancement of AT within the United States context, compares it to global adaptations, and concludes that AT could benefit from practical, collaborative inquiry. Chapter Eight highlights insights from AT users and students, emphasising that ‘support for training alone is not enough.’ (p. 191) Chapter Nine and 10 address tick-box mentality and a shared repertoire, respectively. Including examples from Malawi, Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Pakistan and Nepal enhances the book's scope by providing a diverse geographical perspective. However, most contributors are based in the UK and the US, highlighting an opportunity for greater author representation from the Global South. Additionally, offering formats such as audiobooks and braille editions would help broaden access to the book's insights. Finally, while the collection is an essential reference for policymakers, adding concise bullet points summarising key insights in future editions or online platforms would enhance practicality for time-constrained, policy-focused audiences. The complexities of accessibility extend far beyond the mere availability of technology, as Seale illustrates: Even when individuals with learning disabilities gain access to technology, additional barriers remain, including limited knowledge of its use, a lack of confidence in using technology and a shortage of skilled support personnel (p. 25). This insight was pertinent to my research, in which we co-produced a film with an individual experiencing mental health challenges. They initially expressed hesitancy in using editing tools, driven by concerns about potentially damaging university equipment. However, with guidance and support, they developed the necessary editing skills, remembered to be confident in themselves and left behind their fears of causing damage. This edited volume, crafted by researchers, practitioners and individuals with disabilities, is an essential reference for postgraduate students and scholars in health policy, critical disability studies and science and technology studies. Advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration with stakeholders, the book skilfully guides readers towards prospective research areas while signalling to funding bodies the research efforts most deserving of support. For further insights, readers may find Technology and Disability: 50 Years of Trace R&D Center Contributions and Lessons Learned (Vanderheiden et al. 2023) particularly relevant. The author has nothing to report.