Powerful emerging technologies like augmented reality for training and generative artificial intelligence are poised to take accessibility to the next level.-By Jeremiah Prince

In recent years, several innovative technologies have been designed to enhance the workplace experience for people with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and accessibility. They include screen readers, voice recognition software, video conferencing, and content creation tools. These technology tools have changed the perspective that people with disabilities can only handle low-level jobs or are unemployable because they require complex accommodations.

Now, the world of workplace accessibility for people with disabilities is taking another giant leap forward as artificial intelligence (AI) is added to the list of resources. However, AI is the most powerful technology because of its features like natural language processing, predictive algorithms, and AI-driven image recognition. There is also more to come, as generative AI makes it easier to create fresh content that meets the needs of people with visual, audio, and language barriers, cognitive disabilities, and more.

The Good Robots

When people talk about robots taking jobs from humans, they see technology threatening their well-being. People with disabilities may have a different perspective. Technology is creating long-sought workplace opportunities because it supports an inclusive workplace. Many technologies are already used today, with each designed to assist different impairments.

Currently, screen readers and text-to-speech software make digital content accessible to visually impaired people. Voice recognition and dictation software allow people with mobility impairments or repetitive strain injuries to control computers and devices with voice commands. Video conferencing platforms are enhanced with features like real-time captioning, keyboard shortcuts, and sign language interpretation for those with hearing impairments or communication disabilities.

Augmented reality (AR) can provide on-the-job training and assist employees with disabilities in navigating complex environments. For example, AR headsets can overlay instructions, directions, or visual cues onto the user's field of view, making tasks more accessible and intuitive. Telework and remote collaboration technologies like cloud-based collaboration platforms and video conferencing allow those unable to travel to a workplace to work from home and experience full participation in meetings and other events.

The Next Level of Accessibility Via AI

Existing accessibility technologies are excellent resources, but they become even more powerful with AI. AI can significantly enhance existing tools and add more responsiveness and accuracy. For example, AI-powered screen readers can provide more accurate and natural-sounding text-to-speech conversions, making digital content more accessible to individuals with visual impairments. Natural language processing algorithms help improve the accuracy and responsiveness of voice-controlled interfaces, making them more accessible and user-friendly. AI algorithms predict and suggest words or phrases as users type, benefiting individuals with motor impairments or communication disabilities. These predictive text and auto-complete features can speed up typing and reduce errors, enhancing productivity for users with disabilities. AI-driven image recognition technology can help individuals with visual impairments identify objects, navigate their surroundings, and access visual content.

AI also helps employers increase the recruitment, hiring, and retention of people with disabilities. By analyzing individual preferences, capabilities, and work patterns, AI can recommend and implement tailored accommodations, such as ergonomic workstation setups, assistive technologies, and flexible work arrangements. AI-powered platforms match job seekers with disabilities to suitable employment opportunities based on their skills, qualifications, and preferences. These platforms leverage machine learning algorithms to analyze resumes, job descriptions, and candidate profiles, helping create a more inclusive and diverse recruitment process. By analyzing learning styles, performance metrics, and feedback data, AI algorithms can tailor training content and delivery methods to meet individual learners' unique needs and abilities.

Generative AI: Next Generation of Assistive Technologies

Generative AI is a deep learning system that uses algorithms trained on data to create new content, including audio, text, images, and more. As Laurie Henneborn, Managing Director at Accenture Research, explains, “Our research suggests that in the coming years, up to 40% of the time people spend working could be assisted by AI that understands language and can converse with its users. In my own life, living with multiple sclerosis, I can already see the potential of what such a “copilot” could offer those of us working and living with disabilities — whether finding and securing employment, providing information to help us interpret situations more accurately, or, similarly, offering guidance as we take part in varied tasks that involve language.” Generative AI can automatically generate alternative text descriptions for images in digital documents, presentations, and websites. These descriptions provide individuals with visual impairments access to visual content by describing the contents of images in text format. Generative AI algorithms can convert inaccessible documents, such as scanned images or PDFs, into accessible formats, such as structured text documents or HTML. This conversion process can include generating headings, lists, and other structural elements to improve navigation and readability for individuals using screen readers or other assistive technologies.

It is also possible for generative AI algorithms to create accessible data visualizations that convey complex information in alternative formats suitable for individuals with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities. This includes generating tactile graphics, sonified representations, or simplified visualizations. Sonfication is another method for conveying information. It is the transformation of data into sound. NASA explains, “Unlike traditional data visualization techniques, which rely on graphs, charts, and images to represent data, data sonification provides an auditory representation of data, offering a unique and complementary perspective on the information being studied.”

Ensuring the Inclusiveness of Technology

Generative AI must be designed with inclusive interfaces to reach its full potential as an inclusive technology. Henneborn lists several inclusive interfaces for generative AI. One suggestion is integrating a voice-enabled interface and speech-to-text that supports a broad range of disabilities, including motor, cognitive, visual, and physical. Another example is developing generative AI that can answer any questions about an image and provide virtual assistance for various tasks for people with dyslexia or motor or vision impairments.

Technology designed to support all people offers much more than assistance. It is a tool for diversity, equity, inclusion, and the expression of corporate social responsibility in a truly meaningful way, benefitting people and organizations. By leaning into these emerging technological abilities, barriers will continue to fall for all.