Diversity, representation, and inclusion of physically disabled people within HRI SAR research​

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ABSTRACT

The goal of this literature review is to gain insight into the diversity, representation, and inclusion of physically disabled people in HRI SAR research. What is the level to which disabled people are involved in the research and what factors contribute to successful involvement of disabled people in research? First some background information is presented about disability; the social and medical model are explained. Then an overview of current AT within HRI is presented categorized in mobility assistance, manipulation assistance and sensory assistance. Disability studies and crip technoscience and feminist theories are also discussed to give some background to the foundations of the research. N = 32 papers are included and reviewed, and the results analysed using thematic analysis. This resulted in 4 main themes; More than just a problem to fix, the disabled experience – “What it’s like to live in an ableist world”, Inflexibility in methodology – My way or the highway, Flexibility in methodology – I will work with you, not against you. The results and the themes are then combined and summarized, to answer the research questions. Recommendations for future research and limitations of the research are discussed and the paper finishes with a conclusion.