Disability and technology share a common history, as the specific needs of disabled people have often driven innovation. Text messaging, remote controls, voice assistants, and even synthesizers were initially invented for individuals with limited mobility. Today, the rise of artificial intelligence opens up a new realm of possibilities in assistive technology. But for disability, does this mean better accessibility or a threat to inclusion?
Technology for autonomy and empowerment
AI-powered devices can significantly reduce the barriers faced by people with disabilities.
A tool is considered to use artificial intelligence when it has machine learning capabilities (through neural networks), image recognition, or natural language processing.
Here are a few examples of AI-powered solutions that make daily life easier for people with motor, sensory, mental, or cognitive disabilities:
Image analysis: Tools like Seeing AI or Lookout make it possible to decode the content of an image or video captured by a camera for people who are visually impaired or blind. The benefit? Being able to listen to a description of an object or person.
Audio or text transcription: Several software solutions can automatically transcribe speech into text or, conversely, generate audio from text. These tools provide opportunities for people with concentration difficulties (by allowing them to review a conversation or meeting afterward) or those who cannot speak (by “reading” aloud).
Understanding text tone: Tools like Goblin.tools can assess and simply explain the tone or intent behind a message, reducing the anxiety that can come with interpreting an email, for example.
Social norms guidance: Conversational tools like ChatGPT can help neurodivergent individuals (such as those on the autism spectrum) ask questions about upcoming situations. This can be an effective way to prepare for an event, an interview, etc., by learning in advance how it will unfold through structured, multi-part responses, thus reducing stress.
Risks for accessibility and inclusion
It is the human operator who decides whether to use a tool for good or harmful purposes. A hammer can be used to strike someone or to build a shelter. A 3D printer can create a prosthetic hand for an amputee or a firearm.
With AI, it is essential to remain collectively vigilant on the following points:
- Conversational tools that can generate text on demand or conduct quick searches often save time. But doesn’t this relentless pursuit of speed in work risk excluding those who are unable to perform tasks quickly?
- Artificial intelligence operates with algorithms written by very human individuals, who, often unconsciously, embed societal biases into their lines of code. This can lead to discrimination, as highlighted by the CFHE (French Council of Disabled People for European and International Affairs) in its booklet on the topic: ‘Some facial recognition algorithms consider disabled people as “untrustworthy” because their faces do not conform to the programmed norm within the AI system. These facial or emotion recognition technologies are used to determine if a person is likely to pose a threat. They are unable to accurately interpret the reactions of disabled individuals. Even more concerning, fully autonomous weapon systems raise issues regarding their ability to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, and they may classify disabled individuals as threats due to their assistive equipment.”
- Finally, the visual or motor accessibility of AI-powered tools is often overlooked. It is thus possible to find devices operating with cutting-edge technology but featuring an interface that requires voice commands or clicks on very small buttons.
We have a collective responsibility to develop and regulate AI-based tools to avoid any form of discrimination or marginalization. To be inclusive, a tool must be tested by all the people it is meant for, taking into account their diverse needs.
This article was written by a real human using ChatGPT to gather information.
Further resources for reflection:
- 5 ways AI can help disabled people in the workplace – August 2023 – Abilitynet.org
- How AI can help people with motor disabilities — like my cousin – October 2023 – Blog around the globe
- Can Artificial Intelligence make life easier for people with disabilities? – January 2021 – Mapfre
- IA et handicap : entre bénéfices et dérives validistes ? – June 2024 – Handicap.fr (in French)
- LIVRET Handicap et intelligence artificielle – Potentiels, risques et défis – May 2024 – CFHE (in French)