Part of the series "Disability and the Digital. Conversations Across Sociology, Cultural Studies and Disability Studies"

Flyer for the event. Whit background with orange and blue geometrical forms.

 

When: April, 28, 2022, 6-7 pm CEST | 12-1 pm EST | 7-8 TRT  

 

Please register here for the event.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about attending the meeting.

Contact: Please contact us in case of any questions by email: celine.keuer [at] student.hu-berlin [.] de

Icon International Sign Language with two blue hands  Interpretation in International Sign Language will be provided.

 

Thematic focus: This session will discuss the impact of open data, sensing devices and AI on public transport and autonomous driving with a particular focus on the possibilities and problems of so-called smart mobilities for disabled people. How does the development of “smart” and algorithmic mobilities raise questions about bodily or sensory differences as well as for spaces such as roads and sidewalks? What projects might challenge the normative bias inscribed in mobility technologies? By tackling these issues, the event addresses the ambivalences of automobile autonomy, reflecting on accessible routing and interdependence as a crucial dimension of sustainable, accessible and fair mobility for all people.

 

Moderator/s: Robert Stock

Guests:

Cynthia Bennett is a human-computer interaction researcher studying the impact of sociotechnical systems, including novel AI powered experiences, on people with disabilities. A postdoctoral researcher in Carnegie Mellon University's Human-Computer Interaction Institute, Cynthia received a Ph.D. from the University of Washington's Human Centered Design and Engineering Department. Current research focuses on the intersection of AI, novel accessibility solutions, and bias as well as accessible computing research labs and design studios. Cynthia's research findings inform inclusive and ethically-designed processes and experiences.

Gerard Goggin is the Wee Kim Wee Chair in Communication Studies at Nanyang Technological Unversity and an internationally renowned scholar in communication, cultural, and media studies. His influential research on the cultural and social dynamics of digital technology includes books such as Cell Phone Culture (2006) and Global Mobile Media (2011). A key researcher in the area of accessibility, digital technology and disability, he is profoundly engaged in research on Internet and digital technology accessibility. Gerard Goggin has long-standing interests in the social, cultural, political, and policy dynamics of emerging technology – especially mobile communication and media, Internet, social media, and, most recently, Internet of Things, connected cars, automation and AI. Current research project: Designing AI to Stop Disability Bias.

Constantin Grosch is an inclusion activist, member of the district council of the city of Hameln for the Social Democratic Party, member of the board of trustees Forum Inklusion Hameln, chairman of the supervisory board VHP/Öffis in Hameln-Pyrmont. As a project manager of BarrierenBrechen at Social Heros (Sozialheld*innen) in Berlin, he is involved in centering accessibility and inclusion regarding public transport systems in Germany i.e. through accessible routing planning.

Robert Stock is an Assistant Professor for Cultures of Knowledge at the Department of Cultural History and Theory at Humboldt University Berlin. Main research interests are cultures of knowledge, digital media and dis/abilities, politics of inclusion and access work. He is co-founder of the research network Dis/Abilities and Digital Media funded by German Research Foundation, DFG.

 

 

Background

This series brings together perspectives from North America, Europe, and the Middle East and will convene conversations on embodiment, bodily belongings, disability, and the digital at the intersection of sociology, cultural studies, disability studies and activism. The point of departure is to strengthen the international dialogue along the most recent developments. The aim is to generate conversations and impulses for a sustainable international community that explores the role of digital technologies in the heterogenization of society.

 

Organizers

- Vertr.-Prof. Dr. Hanna Göbel, HafenCity Universität, Hamburg

- Dr. Mona Sloane, New York University (NYU) / University of Tübingen

- Dr. Mara Mills, New York University (NYU)

- Prof. Dr. Robert Stock, Institut für Kulturwissenschaft, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

- Dr. Melike Şahinol, Orient-Institut Istanbul, Turkey

 

Partners / Supporters 

- Digital Media and Dis/Abilities (Research Network, Funded by DFG)

- Department of Cultural History and Theory, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

- Center for Disability Studies, New York University (NYU)

- Waterfront e.V., HafenCity Universität Hamburg (HCU)

- NYU Institute for Public Knowledge

- NYU Tandon School of Engineering

- 370 Jay Project

 

Event Overview

The conversations will be held virtually and in English and will bring together experts in the fields of dis/ability studies, STS, sociology, and adjacent fields, from around the globe with a specific focus on developing a dialogue with West Asia. Currently planned are up to 6 events per academic year in the academic years 2022-2023 (one session per month, e.g. first Thursday of the month), held for 60 minutes over lunch EST (12-1pm EST) / night TRT (7-8 pm) via Zoom and adhering to accessibility standards, with 2 moderators and 2-3 guests. The events will be moderated by the organizing team. Panelists are asked to prepare an opening statement of max. 7 minutes to kick-off the panel discussion.The audience can ask questions via the chat function.

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