Today, host Emma Johnson is honored to be joined by Jessica Smith—an Australian Paralympian, disability advocate, author, and global thought leader in inclusion and accessibility. Born without her left arm, Jessica has transformed personal adversity into a mission to challenge perceptions around disability, body image, and mental health. She's represented Australia on the world stage, authored children’s books, and now advises governments and organizations on inclusive design and leadership.
Jessica has also engaged with cutting-edge assistive technologies, including AI-powered prosthetics, making her uniquely positioned to discuss the promises and pitfalls of AI from a lived experience perspective.
In this powerful episode, Emma and Jessica delve into:
- Jessica’s Incredible Story: Jessica shares her journey and purpose, providing a personal foundation for the conversation.
- Embracing Innovation with AI & Assistive Tech: Jessica discusses her experience with the COVVI Nexus bionic hand, which can be updated remotely, and how it has transformed her relationship with assistive technology. She reveals how AI-enabled tech has empowered her daily life, outlining tasks she can now perform that were previously challenging.
- Family Dynamics & Inclusion: Jessica shares how her children perceive her as "half human, half robot" and how this technology has influenced their family dynamic and understanding of disability. They also explore features and design choices in AI-powered tools that truly reflect inclusive thinking.
- Challenges & Ethical Considerations: Jessica recounts an instance where AI systems failed to accurately represent or accommodate her needs, specifically in the context of disability inclusion, leading to a crucial discussion on bias in AI. They address the representation of people with disabilities in AI development and design, and the biggest accessibility gaps in mainstream AI applications today.
- Global Reflections & Future Outlook: As a global advocate, Jessica offers her insights on how AI is influencing global conversations around disability and inclusion. She shares her vision for the future of AI in creating a more inclusive world, highlighting both her hopes and concerns.
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