Blind People Excluded from the Benefits of AI, Says Charity
The new president of the Royal Society for Blind Children urges for improved AI technology design to include blind and partially sighted individuals.
The integration of artificial intelligence into everyday technologies has significantly transformed lives, yet serious disparities persist for blind and partially sighted individuals. Recently, the new president of the Royal Society for Blind Children, Tom Pey, emphasized the urgent need for AI-driven innovations to consider this overlooked demographic. He insists that the design of everything from video games to AI agents must prioritize inclusivity to prevent an entire segment of society from being distanced from the technological advancements enjoyed by their non-disabled peers.
Pey's comments highlight the exacerbating challenges that visually impaired children face, stating that existing difficulties have multiplied due to their exclusion from AI-driven experiences. Unlike their sighted counterparts, these children cannot engage with AI-based visuals and immersive realities, leading to a sense of isolation. By calling for better design practices, the Royal Society for Blind Children aims to foster a future where technological innovation is accessible to all, ensuring that disadvantaged communities can benefit equitably from advancements in artificial intelligence.