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The AI Adoption Gap with
People with Disabilities
The Unmet Promise: Understanding the AI Adoption Gap
Globally, 1.3 billion people live with a significant disability (WHO), yet many are left behind as AI advances. A crucial 'AI adoption gap' persists, preventing technology from fully empowering this community.
Downlad:
Key Barriers to AI Adoption
Lack of Inclusive Design
Many mainstream AI tools are not built with universal accessibility leading to poor usability and abandonment.
Socioeconomic Factors
Lower income, education levels, and the high cost of specialized assistive tech significantly limit access.
Awareness & Training Deficit
Insufficient knowledge, training, and support for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.
Bias & Trust Erosion
AI models trained on unrepresentative datasets can be biased or inaccurate, eroding user confidence.
The gap in AI adoption is primarily driven by the digital divide, which results in reduced technology access for people with disabilities.
In 2021, 62% of adults in the U.S. with a disability own a desktop/laptop vs. 81% without; a 16% gap in smartphone ownership."
(Pew Research Centre)
Even where technology and AI are adopted within the disabled community, insufficient support and resources persist, reflecting a one-size-fits-all assumption in AI education.
39%
55%
vs
of disabled workers
of non-disabled workers
Use AI for Problem-Solving in the Workplace
41%
57%
vs
of disabled workers
of non-disabled workers
Rely on External Resources for AI Training
AI's Life Changing Potential
Communication
AI-powered Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) apps and real-time speech-to-text bridge gaps. Natural Language Processing (NLP) personalizes language, for quicker and clearer communication.
Accessibility
AI-driven screen readers, image-to-text converters, and accessible navigation apps improve access to physical and digital worlds.
Autonomy
AI personal assistants, smart home devices, and reminder apps automate tasks for greater autonomy.
Education & Employment
Personalized learning using Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) and AI machine learning to identify and correct bias in management processes.
What Good AI Can Do
Share Accessible Resources
Pioneer
AI
Research
Establish a
Global
Partnership
Produce Inclusive and Original Content
Learn more about AI advancements here;
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