{"id":35528,"date":"2024-08-08T11:50:41","date_gmt":"2024-08-08T10:50:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digileaders.com\/?p=35528"},"modified":"2024-08-30T15:02:21","modified_gmt":"2024-08-30T14:02:21","slug":"how-ai-can-be-an-accessibility-gamechanger-for-all","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digileaders.com\/how-ai-can-be-an-accessibility-gamechanger-for-all\/","title":{"rendered":"How AI can be an accessibility gamechanger for all"},"content":{"rendered":"

I\u2019m sure that everyone would recognise that in a truly inclusive society, everyone should be able to play an equal role and have equal access to information, to fully contribute\u202fand reach their potential.<\/p>\n

We have seen progress in recent years. To drive up quality, various key international standards have been put in place \u2013 which include the\u00a0Web Content Accessibility Guidelines\u00a0(WCAG) and the\u00a07 Principles of Universal Design<\/a>, as well as the Government\u2019s\u00a0UK Social Value focus and expectations.<\/p>\n

In the last few years, in the area of assistive technology, as in other areas, we have seen a major shift from hardware and software to more cloud-based solutions, which users can access on the move and not just when on their home computer. The next natural step change will be the increased focus and utilisation of Artificial intelligence (AI).\u202fEveryone\u2019s talking about AI and its many benefits now, but most are failing to realise how transformative it could be if it\u2019s used to support accessibility solutions \u2013 we don\u2019t often hear about this in the buzz and debate around this burgeoning technology.<\/p>\n

From an accessibility and assistive technology point of view these are exciting times with exciting possibilities. AI boasts potential opportunity to build and enable a fully inclusive society.<\/p>\n

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Neurodiversity and disability in numbers<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s estimated that around one in seven people (more than 15% of people in the UK) are neurodivergent, meaning that they may learn and process information differently. Neurodivergent conditions include Attention Deficit Disorders, Autism, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia, among others.<\/p>\n

According to the latest data from the\u00a0Office for National Statistics, 17.8% of people in England and Wales are disabled, which equates to 10.4 million people. However, other sources suggest that there are a lot more disabled people within the UK.\u202fThe definition of disability and the methodology used to identify disabled people can vary, which may account for the differences in these figures.<\/p>\n

In addition to this it\u2019s important we recognise that whether people are disabled or not, there are levels of challenges that everyone faces. Most people will experience some kind of accessibility challenge in their lifetime, whether it\u2019s temporary like a broken arm, ear infection, or going through menopause; age related, such as hearing loss; or a permanent condition.<\/p>\n

So, a lot of people, facing a variety of challenges, could benefit immensely from tools and technology that improve accessibility.<\/p>\n

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AI assisted tools and accessibility<\/h3>\n

Technology has played an important role in helping to support people and limit the potential impact of the challenges they face.\u202fMany systems originally designed to help specific groups of people have benefitted people outside of those groups. Some of these tools include:<\/p>\n