“Robots may not take over the world”

The role of humans in new technology
Matthew Brett
Disability Liaison Unit
University of Melbourne

Prompts to consider human/technology interface
•	Remote Captioning
- Human V computer voice recognition
•	mTurk and mycroft
- Human Intelligence Tasks facilitated via computer systems
- HITs can include editing, transcripts, object recognition

Lets look back in time… to 1992
Paper Clips to Silicon Chips
Disability Discrimination Act
Andrews’ Report published

Lets look back in time… to 1992
Lets look back in time… to 1992
Paper Clips to Silicon Chips
Disability Discrimination Act
Andrews’ Report published

Achy breaky heart Billy Ray Cyrys was Australia’s # 1 selling single

How was technology perceived?
“The impact of technology and its use in student support programs is something that we will have to face. Technology can augment a students capability and can remove the effects of the disability. … The problem for us is the cost and keeping up with the changes.”
Leung, P. (1991) Pathways I , Keynote address

“It seems as if independence via technology is valued by society more than independence via socially mediated assistance.” 
Elkins, J. (1992) Technology and inclusion: A future rapidly approaching. Paper clips to Silicon Chips

Technical or socially mediated assistance? (slide 6)
Column graph titled:  Proportion of budget spent on staff salaries and professional services (interpreting and accessible format production)
In 2002 – 96.5%
2003 – 98.5%
2004 – 97.5%
2005 – 98%

Technical or socially mediated assistance?
1991/1992 average of $23,650 on equipment
DEST ASSD 2005 ~ $19,000 or 15% on equipment
Actual percentage spent on technology is lower

Resulting questions?
Have DLO’s failed in adopting technology?
Do students want technological solutions?
Does institutional generic expenditure mask the true cost?
Is technology now an individual responsibility?
Can we combine human/technical endeavour to enhance participation?

Thank you for your attention

For more information visit our web site at:
www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability 
or contact:
Matthew Brett – Manager
Disability Liaison Unit
T: 03 8344 4244
E: mcbrett@unimelb.edu.au