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Am I a Nobody? A Phenomenological Investigation of Disembodied Assistive Technology Use

K. R. Subisha et al.

Journal of the Association for Information Systems2026article
AJG 4*ABDC A*
Weight
0.50

Abstract

Embodiment plays a crucial role in shaping how individuals experience and interact with technology, particularly for blind and low vision (BLV) users. We employ phenomenology to investigate the embodied experiences of BLV individuals who use assistive technologies (ATs). Using screen readers as the assistive technology, we explore how bodily engagement influences use and adoption for this niche user segment. We draw upon Merleau-Ponty’s theory of embodied perception to examine how BLV users navigate the world through non-visual modalities, emphasizing that their interaction with technology is not merely cognitive but deeply rooted in physical and sensory experience. By highlighting the importance of embodiment, our study reveals potential design gaps in current ATs, where disembodied approaches hinder usability and adoption. These findings aim to inform the development of more intuitive and inclusive ATs that align with the embodied experiences of users.

Cite this paper

@article{k.2026,
  title        = {{Am I a Nobody? A Phenomenological Investigation of Disembodied Assistive Technology Use}},
  author       = {K. R. Subisha et al.},
  journal      = {Journal of the Association for Information Systems},
  year         = {2026},
}

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Am I a Nobody? A Phenomenological Investigation of Disembodied Assistive Technology Use

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

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