Inclusive AI: a guide to the impact of AI for people with disabilities
- Lluc Vila i PÃ mies
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Author: Lluc Vila i PÃ mies
Introduction
We have conducted a study that has resulted in this report and has aimed to provide a practical guide to implement Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in organizations and public administrations, facilitating greater accessibility for people with disabilities.
AI opens up new opportunities to improve the lives of those facing functional barriers. In work and organizational environments, these technologies can promote autonomy, expand access to information, improve skills and generate new employment opportunities. This is particularly relevant if we consider that, in 2021, 37.6% of people with disabilities were unemployed, compared to 17.6% of the rest of the population.
Addressing differences in disabilities
It is important to understand that disability is not a homogeneous phenomenon: each type involves different challenges and requires specific technological solutions. Each disability and each person require different needs and therefore the AI systems they may need are different. Therefore, depending on the type of disability the technology that enables an improvement in the well-being of these people may vary. For example:
People with sensory disabilities can benefit from screen readers or voice assistants.
People with physical disabilities can access voice-controlled devices or adaptive interfaces that can enable them to manipulate technologies more easily.
People with cognitive disabilities can use tools with simplified interfaces that make it easier to read complex documents.
Finally, people with mental disabilities can find support in chatbots for emotional accompaniment or early detection systems for disorders.
Work environment
All of these tools can increase access and efficiency in the workplace. AI can promote a fairer and more equitable selection of personnel, free of prejudice by reducing existing biases in our society. At the same time, can detect patterns of exclusion, promote diversity and facilitate professional retraining processes, thus increasing job placement opportunities. All these issues are addressed in detail throughout the document, while providing examples of existing technologies that companies can implement to move towards these more accessible and inclusive work environments.
Public administrations
In addition, public administrations play an essential role in ensuring equity and equal access. AI tools can make it possible to make all the documentation generated more accessible, design more inclusive public policies or carry out plans and interventions with very positive impacts on public spaces and their welfare. However, for the impact to be truly positive, it is essential to consider the risks that these technologies may entail.
Prevention of possible risks
Finally, this document not only presents the benefits of AI applied to disability but also includes cases in which its use has led to discrimination or exclusion. This, together with the regulations and standards at different levels (international, European and national), provides us with a guide to prevent and mitigate the negative impacts that may be generated. Based on the cases and regulations, a list of ethical and legal recommendations is formulated, with the aim of maximizing opportunities while minimizing risks.