Ashley Shew’s Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement is a concise yet impactful primer on the intersections of disability, ableism, and technology. While the book is accessible and clearly targeted towards an able-bodied, neurotypical audience, it offers valuable insights for readers at any stage of their disability justice journey.

One of the most compelling aspects of Shew's analysis is her refusal to endorse the demand for disabled people to curate origin stories to validate their right to speak on their experiences. This resonated deeply with me, as someone whose disability is often invisible. I frequently encounter skepticism about my ability to speak on disability issues, and Shew’s stance, as well as her insistence on centering disabled voices, offers a powerful affirmation that disabled people should not have to perform emotional labor to justify their perspectives.

This book expertly challenges the pervasive notion that technological aids should be designed solely for the purpose of "fixing" disabled people to fit able-bodied norms. This critique of technoableism—where technology is often wielded to enforce normalcy rather than accommodate diverse needs—is a refreshing perspective that emphasizes the importance of centering disabled voices and experiences. Shew also explores the ethical implications of choosing not to use tech assists, framing this decision as a personal choice that should be free from judgment. This emphasis on autonomy is a crucial reminder that technology should serve the needs of disabled people, rather than simply serving to help them fit into a narrow view of “normalcy.”

The book is filled with sharp observations that link ableism with broader systems of oppression, such as capitalism and colonialism. Shew’s definition of able-bodiedness as "the ability to do physical labor" underscores the capitalist imperative to value bodies solely based on productivity. She further critiques how disability is co-opted by white supremacist capitalism to enforce conformity and suppress diversity, illustrating how deeply entrenched ableism is in our societal structures.

In sum, Against Technoableism is a thought-provoking read that challenges us to rethink our assumptions about disability, technology, and the future. While it may leave some readers wishing for a more in-depth exploration, it’s a powerful starting point for discussions on how we can create a world that truly accommodates and values all bodies and minds.

📖 Recommended For: Readers interested in disability justice, those curious about the intersection of technology and ableism, anyone who values critical perspectives on societal ideas of normalcy.

🔑 Key Themes: Disability and Autonomy, Technoableism, Capitalism and Productivity, Intersectionality of Oppression, Inclusivity and Design.

Content / Trigger Warnings: Sexual Harassment (minor), Medical Content (moderate), Genocide (moderate), Torture (moderate), Ableism (severe), Suicide (minor), Cancer (minor).