Exploring the Potential of AI in Enhancing Accessibility

Scheduled at 11:15 am in Colorado G-H on Thursday, November 14.

Speaker(s)

• Lucy Greco, Accessibility Evangelist, University of California, Berkeley

Session Details

• Length of Session: 1-hr
• Format: Lecture
• Expertise Level: Beginner
• Type of session: General Conference

Summary

In a world increasingly reliant on technology, the question arises: Can artificial intelligence (AI) enhance accessibility for all? This presentation delves into the transformative power of AI, showcasing practical examples of AI tools that have succeeded and others that have fallen short. Discover how AI, when guided by human insight, can become a pivotal ally in making our world more inclusive. Join us to explore the synergy between human ingenuity and AI’s capabilities.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a beacon of hope, promising to enhance the lives of many. In the realm of accessibility, AI’s potential is unparalleled, offering to expedite tasks that traditionally require the nuanced understanding of a human. This talk will scrutinize the longstanding relationship between AI and accessibility, evaluating the efficacy of established AI tools in this sector. We often overlook the fact that AI is not a novel concept; it has been an integral part of our accessibility efforts for years. This presentation will dissect the AI tools that have been in use, highlighting their strengths and shortcomings. We will traverse the evolution of these tools, pinpointing the voids they have filled and continue to fill. While AI’s roots run deep, the landscape is ever-changing with new iterations aimed specifically at fostering accessibility. We will examine a variety of tools, from those facilitating academic accommodations to those purporting to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities. An empirical analysis of three distinct image recognition applications will shed light on their differences in functionality and design. Furthermore, we will discuss the adoption rates of various tools designed to dismantle barriers faced by people with disabilities. The discourse will then pivot to chatbots powered by expansive language models and generative AI platforms, such as ChatGPT and Copilot applications. A year-long research study will be presented, detailing the experiences of individuals with disabilities using these commercial platforms as assistive technologies. We will delve into the initial hurdles of accessing these applications, assess their usability, and evaluate the outcomes of each implementation. To conclude, the talk will offer foresight into the trajectory of AI in accessibility, coupled with actionable insights on how to leverage AI in future endeavors.

Keypoints

1. AI’s potential is unparalleled offering to expedite tasks that traditionally require the nuanced understanding
2. We often overlook the fact that AI is not a novel concept; it has been an integral part of our accessibility.
3. If humans are not involved the AI is worthless.

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Artificial Intelligence, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Lucy Greco

Lucy is a disabled technologist who has been working in the field of education for 20 years.