LocationsThe AI Revolution: Is it a Game Changer for Disability Inclusion?
July 18, 2024
Progress in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being propelled by the intersection of big data, cloud computing, novel algorithms, distributed intelligence, and robotics. AI integrates digital technologies with human intelligence, allowing tools to operate in intricate settings, acquire knowledge from data, and render decisions. Governments are formulating national AI blueprints to leverage its advantages. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have amplified disability advocacy, highlighting the critical importance of internet access for exercising human rights and closing the digital gap.
The latest data from WHO shows that about 1.3 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. In addressing challenges related to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities through the use of AI, it is important to examine potential concerns and identify specific areas of focus. An essential inquiry involves the manner in which society will harness AI to establish economic and social systems that are inclusive. As indicated by the International Labour Organization (ILO), individuals with disabilities encounter reduced involvement in the labor force, lack of access to vocational training, and biases in recruitment and career advancement. A recent UNDP report found that only 5.8% of people with disabilities living in rural areas are employed. These challenges do originate from inherent restrictions but from intricate societal, legal, and economic settings.
Individuals with disabilities encounter barriers in both the private sector and education, such as inadequate school infrastructure and learning materials that do not meet their needs. In higher education, they face challenges like inaccessible campuses and unsupportive academic arrangements. Similarly, the healthcare sector and labor market present obstacles due to inaccessible physical infrastructures, reluctance to provide reasonable accommodations, and unconscious biases that hinder the full participation and inclusion of people with disabilities, ultimately limiting their opportunities.
AI technology is revolutionizing the provision of disability support, benefiting over 1.5 billion people worldwide who are affected by hearing loss in at least one ear. AI-powered devices offer features such as speech-to-text transcription, sound identification, and using inputs to separate different sounds. For individuals with visual impairments, including 43 million who are blind, 295 million with moderate to severe visual impairment, and 258 million with mild visual impairment, AI can recognize facial expressions and gestures, and more accurately describe images, surroundings, and proxemics, thereby enhancing the overall interaction experience. These advancements in technology are helping to minimize feelings of isolation, emphasize individual abilities, and encourage independence.
Successful implementation of AI in assistive technology [AT] necessitates working closely with the disability communities to guarantee the availability of superior, varied data and knowledge. AI facilitates the provision of adaptable services for swift AT customization, capitalizing on data generated by experienced users. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities underscores the importance of equal access to reasonably priced AT and assistance services, yet expensive solutions frequently result in the exclusion of individuals in low and middle-income countries.
Around 1% of the global population, or over 75 million people, are currently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, a rapidly growing challenge recognized as part of neurodiversity. With 85% of autistic individuals not employed, AI is opening up new employment possibilities. Specialisterne, an international organization established in 2004, helps businesses find positions that are suitable for neurodiverse individuals by matching their strengths with appropriate roles, with a focus on the potential of technology. Similarly, the startup Mentra uses AI to pair neurodiverse individuals with jobs, with an emphasis on software development. Furthermore, AI is improving assistive technology, such as Limbitless Solutions' 3D-printed bionic arms for children, which utilize AI to enhance control systems.
Effective AI applications for people with disabilities include using robotic process automation to assist neurodiverse individuals, utilizing exoskeletons for paraplegics, and implementing AI-powered recruitment and decision-making tools. These practical instances showcase AI's capability to improve accessibility and productivity. Despite the significant opportunities presented by AI, it is crucial to address challenges such as concerns about replacing human services and the implementation of poorly designed systems. By prioritizing ethical development and user-centered design, AI has the potential to significantly improve lives and promote accessibility.
One example of AI usage creating barriers for persons with disabilities is in the area of voice recognition technology. Many AI systems rely on voice commands for operation, which can be challenging for individuals with speech disabilities or accents that are not easily understood by the technology. Another example is in the realm of accessible websites and apps, where AI-powered content and features may not be designed with the needs of individuals with visual or motor impairments in mind, creating accessibility barriers. Additionally, AI-powered automated decision-making systems may unintentionally discriminate against persons with disabilities by not accounting for their unique needs and circumstances.
The growing use of AI in the workplace requires a reconsideration of the government's responsibility to guarantee fundamental welfare for everyone. Research has indicated significant job reductions in manufacturing as a result of automation, and AI is being utilized in recruitment across different sectors. Safeguarding the inclusion and safety of individuals with disabilities in the AI era involves addressing societal prejudice and putting in place comprehensive ethical and regulatory protocols.
The impact of AI, especially machine learning-based AI, on people with disabilities is substantial. AI has the potential to address barriers and promote inclusivity but also poses risks of excluding individuals with disabilities from advancements. It is crucial to actively engange persons with disabilities in designing AI solutions aiming to maximize the benefits and minimize risks, ensuring that AI's evolution supports inclusivity and accessibility.