Shared control

A control paradigm in assistive technology where input from multiple sources — such as a wheelchair user and a companion, or a user and an autonomous system — is combined to produce a single action. Shared control enables collaborative interaction that can adapt to the user's abilities and context, but requires clear communication and negotiation protocols to handle conflicting inputs. The concept embodies the interdependence framework in disability studies, moving beyond the binary of fully independent or fully dependent control toward a flexible spectrum of assistance.