Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence in Accessibility

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and large language models are currently hot topics almost everywhere you turn. If you haven’t tried an AI tool directly, then you probably know someone who has or maybe you’ve even used AI supported systems without even knowing it. The benefits, risks and biases AI may introduce into our lives are often hotly debated. For people with access needs, the benefits and concerns are just as real, if not more so.

So, for International Day of People With Disabilities, our MD Dr Chandra Harrison will lead a discussion about the pros and cos of AI in the accessibility space with a group of friends from around Aotearoa, including Tom Smith from Blind Low Vision NZ and Jonathan Mosen CEO of Workbridge. We will discuss some fabulous assistive tools supported by AI, the need for data governance, and the need for disability communities involvement. There will be time to ask questions and add to the discussion.

This is an online webinar and you can register on the event Humanitix page. The webinar will be caption and NZSL interpreters will be online. As a small company we are asking for $20 to help cover costs of captioners and interpreters. A recording will be made available for all those who register to attend the event. 

Panellists

Tom Smith has been working with Blind Low Vision NZ (BLVNZ) for over two decades. He started out training adaptive technology to blind and low vision users, before moving into digital accessibility and creating accessible content, providing training and speaking at many conferences. Tom now works on projects to find ways to improve access to books for people with print disabilities. This involves exploring new technologies and finding new ways technology can be accessible. Tom will discuss some of the AI tools he has used.

Jonathan Mosen, MNZM, CEO of WorkbridgeNZ. Given that Workbridge, is the largest New Zealand-owned agency dedicated to the employment of disabled people, Jonathan will provide some insight into this area. Jonathan is also Chairman of the New Zealand Disability Support Network (NZDSN), which represents over 200 of New Zealand’s disability service providers. He hosts the popular Living Blindfully podcast, heard by members of the blind community in more than 113 countries. And he has been totally blind from birth and is hearing impaired. He was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2019 for his services to the blind community and has received numerous other awards for his work for blind people.

Chief Executive, NZ Disability Employers’ Network (home of the Accessibility Tick). Phil is committed to promoting the inclusion of disabled and neurodiverse people in the workplace by supporting employers to make meaningful and sustainable changes to their organisational culture and practices. He believes that treating employers as partners and empowering them to take ownership of their inclusion journey is crucial for success. Having worked with employers for the past 9 years to enhance disability and neurodiversity inclusivity, Phil brings a fresh approach to solving each organisation's unique challenges. He is a strategic thinker who is adept at identifying underlying issues and developing practical plans to overcome them.

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