Marvin Onumonu40% of disabled adults surveyed said that designing, developing and testing artificial intelligence (AI) products with disabled people would make them more accessible, according to a poll from Business Disability Forum.
The poll found only 24% said they saw AI’s potential to improve access to employment and the workplace for disabled people.
Other top answers were making AI more user-friendly (38%), more information on how AI can support disabled people (37%), and more support to help people get started with AI (36%).
38% of those surveyed said AI could help with communications and 34% said it could improve online experiences.
Other benefits mentioned were better access to healthcare information and communication (33%), improved access to education (32%), more accessible digital content (32%) and support for independent living (31%).
At the same time, 20% of disabled adults surveyed said they did not think AI could help disabled people, or did not know (18%).
Results from a wider poll of all UK adults showed similar views.
34% said designing and developing AI products with disabled people would make AI more accessible.
Only 22% recognised the potential for AI to improve access to employment and the workplace for disabled people.
Lara Davis, communications director at Business Disability Forum, said: “There is the potential for AI products and tools to make a radical and positive difference to disabled people but with AI developing at pace, there is also the risk that disabled people could be left behind.
“The findings of our poll suggest that while many disabled people think AI will bring benefits, some are unsure, highlighting the need for AI to be designed and developed with disabled people, as well as greater access to training and information.
“From a workplace perspective, this means that employers should actively consider the needs of disabled employees when developing organisational AI strategies.”
Davis added: “By consulting with disabled staff and involving them in the process, businesses can make sure the AI tools they introduce work and make tasks easier for everyone.”
Business Disability Forum recommended that employers prioritise inclusion in their AI strategies and involve disabled workers at all stages.
The group also said employers should check AI tools are compatible with assistive technology, use human oversight to prevent extra barriers, and provide accessible training for staff.
