About the Archive

The Remote Access Archive is a project of the Critical Design Lab, a group of disabled designers, researchers, and artists working remotely from four countries.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many disabled people often relied on remote access. We crafted technologies and protocols for connecting across long distances. We also asked for remote access at our jobs and for events, but were often told no, that remote access was too expensive or technologically complicated. But in March of 2020, many people–especially non-disabled people–began to work, learn, and connect through remote access to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Many disabled people who live in isolation or are immunocompromised suddenly had more access than ever before. At the same time, the history of remote access in disabled communities, and our knowledge about creating it, were overlooked. Just as quickly, the world tried to go "back to normal" and remote access once again became an afterthought. 

Disabled people have continued to use, innovate, and even debate about remote access. Even within disability communities, there have been discussions about the frictions surrounding remote access—the complexities of needing remote options to survive even though some of us experience screen fatigue, or have a hard time communicating via text and video, not to mention barriers to accessing tech and internet access. In the Critical Design Lab, we use the concept of friction to think about the ambivalences of technology: that sometimes the same things that feel sticky or unhelpful can also be useful or world-changing. Sometimes we can even embrace friction in order to get into the messiness of access—and to better work towards solidarity and interdependence.

The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing. The rollback of mask mandates and backlash against remote options continues to leave many disabled people behind. But disabled people practiced remote access long before March 2020, and continue to develop these practices within our communities. The Remote Access Archive is a window into disabled access, knowledge, and creativity.