REVISING THE THEORY OF SOCIALLY INCLUSIVE SYSTEMS ENGINEERINGSOCIAL IMPACT CONSIDERATIONS IN DISTRIBUTED ASSISTIVE SYSTEMS FOR THE LEARNING DISABLED

the relationship between humans and advanced technology can be viewed as a network of interests of technical and non-technical agents. Drawing upon instrumental realist approaches as set out in agent network theory the paper describes a project currently underway in Ireland and Bulgaria which delivers comprehensive, assistive systems for people with learning disabilities. These systems address many of the difficulties associated with current assistive technology (AT) programmes, problems typically associated with the narrow focus of AT upon technology solutions. Whilst limited, it delivers a sound ethical basis for technology-centred programmes, and new trajectories for engineering research.