Artificial Intelligence For Social Inclusion: Technologies And Necessary Steps Posted on : Aug 12 - 2021

The world of technology, which often breaks down barriers, can significantly promote more integration of people with disabilities into social and work contexts. In particular, artificial intelligence solutions may allow the removal of accessibility barriers. Let's see briefly how.

For those who develop technology, it is essential not only to think about usability but increasingly about accessibility. Especially those who deal with AI have the opportunity to create systems and solutions that can really break down barriers for people with disabilities of various kinds.

This opens up an important debate that must involve both the world of technology and all those involved in ethical issues. To date, there are several bodies globally and locally that have defined the principles of AI systems.

In particular, the OECD has defined key principles for regulating the impact of AI solutions.

1. "AI should benefit people and the planet by driving inclusive growth, sustainable development and well-being."

2. "AI systems should be designed in a way that respects the rule of law, human rights, democratic values and diversity, and they should include appropriate safeguards — for example, enabling human intervention where necessary — to ensure a fair and just society."

Starting from these principles, you must activate all considerations related to inclusiveness, prejudice, privacy, error, data simulation and social context that normally apply to all users, but that requires additional attention if we talk about people with disabilities.

The application areas and impacts of AI even for a few can have positive repercussions for many. Starting from Willeasy, an Italian app that is developing and will allow you to aggregate data related to the accessibility of places or events in your country and based on machine learning systems on the collected data can suggest to people with specific disabilities where they can find structures that can best accommodate them. This app could also be useful for people with temporary disabilities. View More