Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an essential part of almost every business. It is constantly evolving, and new models are being developed at a rapid pace. AI has already transformed many processes, such as data analysis, decision-making, etc. fostering innovation and elevating productivity. Therefore, artificial intelligence can be a game changer when it is applied to any field. Our blog will explore the various trends, usages, and transformative potential of AI in building an inclusive world.
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AI and Accessibility
AI that replicates human intelligence with its algorithms is accessible in itself without the programming knowledge. Since accessibility technologies are designed to benefit people with diabilities, the potential of AI can be manifold to create an inclusive world.
The current AI technologies for people with accessibility include:
GPT-4 and Be my Eyes Merger:
Be my Eyes is a free mobile app that pairs people with visual impairment with volunteers via live video call. GPT-4 partnered with Be my Eyes to introduce an AI-powered virtual volunteer to assist people with visual impairment.
Accessible Google Maps:
Google has updated its navigation features in Google Maps and business pages. These include wheelchair-friendly walking routes, better Live View for visually impaired users, and a new label to help find disabled-owned businesses.
5 AI Trends That Are Shaping Tomorrow’s World
1. AI as a Design and Development Partner
Design platforms like Figma now embed AI directly into their workflows, guiding designers to prioritize accessibility from the start. Features like automated contrast checks, semantic HTML suggestions, and real-time annotations ensure compliance with standards such as WCAG and W3C. This “shift-left” approach reduces retroactive fixes aligning with Agile and DevOps methodologies to bake inclusivity into every phase of development.
AI co-pilots like GitHub Copilot are becoming accessibility guardians for developers, identifying and fixing issues such as missing attributes in forms, missing alt text or keyboard navigation gaps. They can auto-generate ARIA labels and suggest accessible component libraries, streamlining compliance without compromising creativity. No-code platforms like Glide and Adalo are integrating AI to empower non-technical users, enabling small businesses and startups to build accessible apps with features like voice navigation and dynamic font scaling. This democratization is crucial for underserved markets.
2. AI in Assistive Technologies
Wearables and Prosthetics
Ray-Ban Meta glasses are augmented reality glasses that uses AI to provide real-time audio descriptions of environments for visually impaired users. Imagine walking through a museum and AI narrates artwork details or navigating a busy street with obstacle alerts.Also, Orion, Meta’s most advanced AR glasses assists in multitasking windows and large-screen entertainment to life-sized holograms of people.
AI-driven prosthetics like BionicM’s Bio Leg adapt to users’ movements, learning gait patterns to minimize fatigue.
At the technology tradeshow, Consumer Electronic Show 2025, breakthroughs such as robotic vacuums with mechanical arms for users with limited mobility and smart gloves translating sign language into speech were showcased.
These innovations are changing the way we define independence.
Audio and Communication Tools
Auracast technology by Bluetooth allows any audio to be broadcasted simultaneously to multiple devices, without requiring users to pair their devices individually. Unlike regular Bluetooth, which connects to just one device at a time, Auracast can send sound to many devices at once. It also helps users to connect to public audio streams in public places such as theaters, museums, etc. and provide clearer audio. Although this development in audio streaming technology could increase accessibility for those with hearing loss, its success depends on broad acceptance and cooperation amongst several fields.
AI-powered transcription services like Otter.ai can now provide real-time multilingual translation (English (US and UK) and accents such as Spanish and French) thus breaking language barriers in education and workplaces.
Similarly, Samsung’s Bulging TV concept uses tactile 3D screens to aid users with sensory disabilities, merging AI with haptic feedback.
3. Legal and Ethical Imperatives
The European Accessibility Act (EAA), enforceable from June 2025, mandates accessibility across EU digital platforms. Non-compliance risks exclusion from an approximate €3 trillion EU market, compelling global brands to adopt inclusive practices. However, the Act’s ripple effect extends beyond Europe. Companies such as Adobe and Microsoft are aligning their global strategies with EAA standards, recognizing accessibility as a competitive differentiator.
Human Oversight and Ethical AI
While AI accelerates compliance, regulations like the EU AI Act emphasize human oversight. For instance, AI-generated alt text might misinterpret context (e.g., labeling a protest photo as a “festival”), risking misrepresentation. Ethical frameworks now require human validation to prevent biases and ensure cultural sensitivity.
4. Challenges and Risks
Generative AI’s energy consumption remains contentious. Training models like GPT-4 requires millions of liters of water for cooling. For a typical conversation of 20-50 questions on ChatGPT, the water used is about the same as a 500ml bottle, so the overall water footprint for inference is significant given the billions of users. Additionally, ChatGPT emits upto 8 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
AI remediation tools often target high-income markets thus leaving smaller businesses struggling to afford compliance.
Accuracy and Reliability
AI summarization tools, marketed to neurodivergent users, frequently produce incomplete or inaccurate outputs. A 2024 study found that LLMs like ChatGPT shorten texts without capturing nuance, risking misinformation in academic or legal contexts. Similarly, AI-generated sign language avatars often misrepresent facial expressions critical to meaning.
Data Privacy and Exploitation
Third-party AI tools pose security risks. For example, screen readers relying on cloud-based AI might expose sensitive user data. Worse, some generative AI models train on copyrighted materials, putting disabled users at legal risk when summarizing academic papers.
5. The Road Ahead: Collaboration and Innovation
Forward-thinking companies are embedding accessibility into their brand identity. Microsoft’s AI for Accessibility grant program funds startups developing affordableassistive tools, while Adobe’s Firefly integrates ethical AI guidelines to ensure inclusive content creation.
The Rise of “Accessibility-as-a-Service”
SaaS platforms now offer AI-driven audits and fixes for legacy websites, combining automation with human expertise. This hybrid model ensures compliance while addressing complex issues like dynamic content or custom widgets.
Global Collaboration for Inclusive AI
Initiatives like the WHO’s AI for Health partnership aim to standardize accessibility in telehealth tools. Meanwhile, open-source projects like TensorFlow Accessibility are crowdsourcing AI solutions for underrepresented disabilities, such as situational blindness caused by glaucoma.
Conclusion
The future of AI and accessibility in 2025 is a tapestry of innovation and responsibility. While technology empowers unprecedented inclusivity, its success hinges on ethical stewardship, cross-sector collaboration, and centering the voices of disabled communities. As we harness AI’s potential, it’s important to remember: Accessibility isn’t a checkbox. It is the foundation of an equitable digital world. Contact us today to further this and make your website a safe digital accessible space.
