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As Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology advances, its potential to transform lives is clear. However, the benefits are not being shared equally. Many Disabled people, including those who are visually impaired, find themselves excluded due to inaccessible design and a lack of meaningful involvement in the development of these tools. Tom Pey, the new president of the Royal Society for Blind Children has branded this ‘a new level of discrimination’ and called for better design of everything from video games to AI agents. The Society’s recent report found that people with sight loss are less likely to use the internet every day, more likely to be digitally excluded and less likely to own a smartphone compared with the rest of the population. This gap highlights the need for innovation that is truly inclusive and grounded in the lived experience of Disabled people.
AI has the capacity to revolutionise everything from employment opportunities to education and independent living. Open AI, the company behind ChatGPT, have created Be My Eyes, a virtual volunteer that provides audio descriptions of anything a smartphone is pointed at. Google’s Lookout audio describes photos and also reads out tests and engages in question and answer. Yet, when tech is designed without input from Disabled people, it risks entrenching existing inequalities. For example, AI-driven tools often fail to account for the accessibility needs of visually impaired users, whether through incompatible screen readers or interfaces that rely heavily on visual cues. This isn’t just a technical oversight—it reflects broader societal barriers that disable people by failing to accommodate their needs.
The most impactful responses to this exclusion have been the emergence of businesses and innovations created by Disabled people themselves. These ventures, often started by those who intimately understand the challenges posed by inaccessible technology, offer tailored solutions that meet real needs. From apps designed to assist with navigation to platforms that enhance independent living, these innovations are a testament to the creativity and resilience of Disabled people. They not only provide practical solutions but also challenge stereotypes by demonstrating that Disabled people are leaders in technological advancement. Tom Pey lost his sight as a child and created the Waymap app which offers step-by-step audio navigation instructions. His comments come as tech firms launch more visually based AI-powered systems such as Meta’s range of spectacles and the Google Lens function, which relies on users pointing their phone camera at objects or places
The role of Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) is central to fostering this kind of innovation. By creating spaces where Disabled people can collaborate, share knowledge, and develop ideas, DPOs act as incubators for transformative change. They also provide vital advocacy, ensuring that policymakers and industry leaders understand the importance of involving Disabled people at every stage of development. Co-production—where Disabled people are meaningfully engaged in designing, testing, and implementing technology—is key to ensuring that innovations meet the diverse needs of users.
Businesses and tech companies have much to learn from these approaches. Inclusive design is not only ethical but practical; it broadens user bases and enhances customer satisfaction. Investing in accessible technology and supporting Disabled entrepreneurs is a win for everyone. Governments also have a role to play by introducing and enforcing accessibility standards for AI and digital tools. Without such measures, Disabled people risk being further marginalised in an increasingly digital world.
At its best, AI has the power to remove barriers, providing opportunities for greater independence and participation. But this can only happen if Disabled voices are at the centre of its development. The innovations already being led by Disabled people show what’s possible when their expertise is valued. Now it’s up to the tech industry, policymakers, and wider society to follow their lead.
