Equity and Access Track: Group Report

Amy Rubin

The Equity and Access Track of the National Conference on Computing and Values met from August 13 to 15, 1991. The findings and recommendations of the track are listed below.

• Presuppositions
• Summary of the Issues
• Recommendations
• Individuals and Teams
• Research Center on Computing and Society
• Government, Corporations and Funding Agencies
• RCCS and Individuals
• All Groups

Presuppositions

1. Existing computers, computer systems and information systems have inherent access barriers (cultural, gender, economic, infrastructure, etc.) which prevent their equitable use by all members of our society.

2. Some of these existing barriers are due to natural human differences, and are only partially attributable to computers and information systems.

3. Many barriers, however, derive from poorly conceived designs and encompass ethical, gender, economic and socio-cultural issues. These barriers often reflect deficiencies of society-at-large.

4. To overcome access and equity barriers, we must recognize that computing and information systems can only be understood in terms of their social context (how the social context influences – and is influenced by – design and use issues), and not in abstract technical terms. Overcoming these barriers also requires clear delineation of the problems; identification of their origins; and motivation for change on the part of the creators, actual users, and potential users of the technologies.

5. There are many reasons why policy makers and professional groups should address and attempt to resolve these barriers. They include ethical principles, corporate and organizational self-interest, individual employment opportunities, and legal mandates.

The problems of access and equity cannot be resolved in isolation from other issues discussed at this conference.

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