On May 9th, I gave a talk at the UXPA Conference in Boston with Stew Smith about how AI can support accessibility rather than deepen existing gaps.

We explored the current state of assistive tech, the ethical challenges of designing with AI, and why involving users in the process isn’t optional... it’s essential.

Key Takeaways

1. Designing for permanent disabilities benefits everyone.

2. Regulations like the EU AI Act aim to improve accessibility standards.

3. Ethical AI design requires user involvement and transparency.

Parts

00:00 Introduction to Accessibility and AI

01:36 Understanding Digital Accessibility

03:54 The Spectrum of Disability

06:21 AI Overview and Its Historical Context

09:02 Current State of AI and Accessibility

11:41 Regulations and Guidelines for Accessibility

14:18 Ethical Principles in AI Design

16:27 Challenges and Opportunities in AI for Accessibility

18:56 Future of Assistive Technology

21:26 Community Engagement and Outreach

24:11 Conclusion and Q&A