Adam M.’s Post

Thoughtfully written and definitely worth 7 min read.

🔗 Aaron Gustafson: “AI can be used in very constructive, inclusive, and accessible ways; and it can also be used in destructive, exclusive, and harmful ones. And there are a ton of uses somewhere in the mediocre middle as well.” (From: Opportunities for AI in Accessibility – A List Apart) In this post, Aaron shares some examples of where ‘AI’ could be used to make content more broadly accessible. This is a controversial subject, because there are many automated ‘solutions’ that don't actually remove barriers, so caution is warranted. Such solutions often focus on people who want to comply with accessibility instead of people with disabilities. And accessibility is about people with disabilities, period. Aaron acknowledges this in the post, and calls for including people with disabilities in various ways. What if, he suggests, users could ask specific questions about complex charts? As Aaron acknowledges, hallucinations exist, there could still be a use, especially with more diverse training data. Other examples of where ‘AI’ could remove barriers in his post: voice preservation, voice recognition and text transformation. I'm still sceptical, because I've seen too many claims from automated tools that don't work that well in practice, but I understand it's worth to at least explore different options, and weigh them against the reality of today's web. For the voice and text tools I am actually somewhat optimistic. https://lnkd.in/eNkZ6Ptb (originally shared on https://hidde.blog/links, my new links site, it has RSS)

I am grateful to be here at Salesforce. We are evaluated not only on what we achieve, but also how we achieve it -- if we achieve a goal but didn't live our values while doing so, we haven't truly succeeded. I've been reminding myself of this as we're working on AI & Accessibility at Salesforce -- exploring what it means, and how we'll approach it. Our goal isn't just to make sure that our work in AI is accessible, but also that we're including people with disabilities in meaningful ways throughout the entire process as co-creators with us. I stand by these thoughts today -- "How we do our work matters" https://lnkd.in/esnMJ4dH #accessibility #inclusiveDesign #a11y #AI

Redefining Accessibility and Inclusion with AI: A New Era Begins Generative AI is transforming accessibility. Microsoft’s collaboration with the Rijksmuseum is a shining example, using AI to create detailed descriptions of paintings, allowing visitors with low vision to experience art in a new way. Across Europe, AI-powered tools are creating new possibilities for people with disabilities. Microsoft’s Copilot is a game-changer, providing personalized support for those with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and low vision. This shift from assistive technology being an afterthought to being integrated from the start marks a significant milestone. Key Highlights: 1. Generative AI: Enhances user interaction, providing intelligent answers and detailed descriptions, transforming accessibility from basic help to imaginative solutions. 2. Copilot’s Impact: Offers features that cater to individual needs, from summarizing emails for those with low vision to assisting neurodivergent individuals with complex tasks. 3. Inclusive Policy and Innovation: Projects like Global Symbols and the Zero Project initiative promote global accessibility and inclusion, ensuring AI benefits everyone. Microsoft’s commitment to involving the disability community in AI development ensures that these advancements address real needs and drive inclusion. Join us in celebrating these milestones and advocating for a more inclusive future. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ePCZW5d2 #Accessibility #AI #Inclusion

Data empowers vital tools like screen readers and voice recognition, making digital spaces more inclusive for the 1 billion people living with disabilities. This Global Accessibility Awareness Day, learn how data helps differently-abled people thrive in the digital era: https://purefla.sh/3wBMo7v #GAAD #DigitalAccessForAll #data #DataStorage #PureStorage #IT #innovation #technology

How AI is Transforming Accessibility for the Visually Impaired📲 Matthew Sherwood, blind for over 15 years, uses technology for his daily tasks. The Be My Eyes app connects him with sighted volunteers and now includes AI, thanks to OpenAI. Similarly, Google's "Lookout" app offers AI-driven assistance. These AI advancements are revolutionizing assistive technology, increasing independence for people with disabilities. Companies like Apple and Google are investing in inclusive AI to improve accessibility for all users 🕶 https://lnkd.in/d7HuAJMh

The internet offers a vista of experiences for users — but not so much for those with disabilities. My first article for Built In explores how gen AI is helping to change that. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ew2PQ7_3 Many thanks to Christy Margeson, MA for her incredible help on this!

Discover how generative AI can enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities in the recent workIO. Technology has the potential to promote inclusion and empower communities. Here at PayIt, we strive to upgrade digital services for every resident's benefit. Learn how generative AI can assist government agencies in better serving citizens. Read more on Government Technology: https://okt.to/ju8B2r #Accessibility #AI #GovTech #PublicSector

Tech is making work easier for people with disabilities, historically the most overlooked and underemployed segment of the population, Diego Mariscal writes. Here are 5 tools he uses to get ahead, from Read AI to Speechify and more. https://lnkd.in/gC7qRsGt #DC #AssistiveTech #AI #FutureWork

Microsoft released Accessibility Innovation Toolkit for a More Equitable and Accessible Future With one billion people worldwide living with disabilities, the potential impact of accessible technology is immense. Yet, many individuals are at risk of being excluded from the benefits of technology due to barriers in access. The Accessibility Innovation Toolkit from Microsoft provides a structured framework for organizations to approach accessibility, offering practical tips, case studies, datasets, and research. Developed with insights from people with disabilities, this toolkit is a collaborative effort to foster innovation that benefits all. Toolkit Highlights: Innovation Framework: A step-by-step guide to connect passion with action. AI and Accessibility: Exploring the power of AI to bridge accessibility gaps. Responsible AI: Building ethical and inclusive AI systems. Accessible Development: Best practices for creating inclusive digital experiences. Accessibility Testing and Remediation: Ensuring products meet WCAG standards. Read more about the toolkit here: https://lnkd.in/gZFTh-m8 Let's make accessibility a priority and build a future where everyone has equal access to the opportunities of technology. Join us in shaping a more inclusive world. #Accessibility #AI #InclusiveTech