With evolving technology and artificial intelligence, understanding and exploring its features and benefits can positively impact those with disabilities. Artificial intelligence, wireless devices, innovative software and apps, and digital platforms are just a couple of examples of assistive technology that have the opportunity to help those with special needs in their day-to-day life.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is not a recent innovation but an ongoing development in technology designed to emulate human cognitive functions using digital data and algorithms. Although AI has been a subject of research and application for decades, its integration into various platforms, apps, and devices has significantly accelerated in recent years, particularly with the advent of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot, to name a few.
Communication Improvement Apps and Platforms
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) can be a powerful tool for individuals with disabilities, offering various features to enhance communication, learning, socialization, and adaptation. AI can assist with:
- Text-to-speech and speech-to-text services, allowing for easier communication.
- Rewording or simplifying text to improve understanding.
- Vocal recognition and identification for personalized interactions.
- Language decoding to aid in message comprehension.
AI platforms and devices are designed to support individuals with learning, visual, or hearing impairments, making information more accessible and understandable. There are numerous apps, services, and devices that incorporate these AI strategies, some of which are specifically tailored for individuals with disabilities.
Whether an individual lives with a learning, visual, or hearing impairment, these artificial intelligence platforms and devices may help their understanding and decoding of messages. As this is a common feature of AI, there are a plethora of apps, services, and devices that utilize these strategies, some specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.
Examples of AI-implemented communication platforms and devices include:
- OrCam – Wearable and handheld devices for vision assistance
- Starkey Genesis AI – Cerebral cortex function-mimicking hearing aids
- ChatGPT – Online conversational-style messaging for a wide variety of communication methods and suggestions
- Murf AI – Voice generator and translator for text-to-speech
- Co:Writer – Flexible spelling solutions, word predictions, and text-to-speech adaptations for writing assistance
- AiSee – A wearable device that helps visually impaired users “see” objects around them with the help of AI8.
- OrCam – A device that attaches to glasses and can read text, recognize faces, and identify products9.
- Seeing AI – An app developed by Microsoft that uses the camera on a user’s device to describe people, text, and objects
Benefits and Opportunities of Assisted Technology
The overarching goal of integrating artificial intelligence tools is to make communication and comprehension easier, more effective, and more understandable for those with disabilities. Accordingly, learning and education are more meaningful when the presentation of information is accessible and accommodating. Certain devices that utilize AI break through physical barriers that some may face with their disabilities.
Utilizing AI platforms provide opportunities for growth for individuals with disabilities. Whether this growth is measured through learning goals, daily achievements, or mental milestones, these individuals can make progress toward their personal goals!
Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and communicate with one another. AI is an incredible tool that can help make the world a more inclusive place!
Covey is passionate about making meaningful opportunities for our community through our knowledge and compassion. Read more about our mission here. With the support of our technology partner, Entrusted Technology Solutions, we will continue to learn and grow in the generative AI world to better support our mission.
*Blog editing provided by Microsoft Copilot courtesy of Kim O’Brien, Growth and Development Manager at Entrusted Technology Solutions, Covey’s technology partner.
