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Is AI a Form of Assistive Technology?

  • Writer: jrmede23
    jrmede23
  • Oct 25, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: Dec 5, 2024


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"Ludwig" the robot was developed by Dr. Rudzicz from the University of Toronto. Ludwig is developed with speech and audio recognition software which is an advanced form of AI machine learning. He analyses the speech and movement of a person with Alzheimer's disease and then produces a response for "casual conversation."


Overview


In this blog post, we will explore the strengths of AI as a possible form of assistive technology. Then, we will explore a more specific form of artificial intelligence called Chat-GPT.


Recap: Definition of Assistive Technology

“Assistive products help maintain or improve an individual’s functioning related to cognition, communication, hearing, mobility, self-care and vision, thus enabling their health, well-being, inclusion and participation” - World Health Organization


Overview


In his article titled “ AI could be a game changer for people with disabilities” published by the MIT Technology Review, Steven Aquino dives into the discussion of AI as a form of assistive technology.


Unlike traditional Assistive Technology, most AI Systems are not designed for people with disabilities. Although this is one implication of the use of AI as a form of assistive technology, Aquino argues that there is not enough information regarding the ways that it is beneficial. In this article he describes the aspects of AI that would be beneficial for people with disabilities.


What are Artificial Intelligence's Greatest Strengths?

There are two main concepts described in Steven Aquino’s article: autonomous features and short-cuts.


Strengths:


Autonomous Technology as Assistive Technology:


  • Auto-generated captions on videos and images

  • Future autonomous vehicles

  • AI hardware for robotic hands to form American Sign Language

  • Voice prompts for art design 


Short Cuts as Assistive Technology:


As described by Steven Aquino AI features such as autonomous functions can create “jumps in accessibility.”


  • Removes a few barriers to inclusion for people with disabilities. Some of these barriers may be fine motor skills and communicative disorders.

What About Chat GPT?

In a recent research study conducted in 2024 from the University of North Texas, researchers conducted a study to discover how Chat GPT can be used as a tool for accessibility. They outlined 5 opportunities and challenges of Chat GPT used in this form.


Opportunities


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  1. Natural Interaction - Offers "intuitive interactions" as it has the ability to mimic natural conversation


  2. Personalization - Imbedding Chat GPT Software into Accessibility Technology can be tailored to individual need


  3. Adaptive Learning - Can consistently be modified to the user's need through consistent use


  4. Accessibility - Offers 24hr guidance.


  5. Enhanced Support - Can serve as an augmentative and alternative communication tool (AAC)

    Example: Text-to-speech.


Challenges


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  1. Accuracy and Reliability - May lack professional input


  2. Context - May not perceive context of user's input. This may lead to fatigue and frustration


  3. Privacy - The risk of sharing personal information or data in the form of "cookies"


  4. Ethics - Bias responses from their "training data"


  5. Technology - Inability to self-maintain or adapt to all forms of disabilities


Poll Question!


What do you think... does Chat GPT alone have the capabilities to be a form of assistive technology?

  • yes

  • no



 
 
 

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