A New Era of Accessibility? The Role of AI in Assistive Technology.
The words ‘artificial intelligence’ (AI) roll off the tongue effortlessly nowadays, with many of us familiar with the concept of computer systems replacing human tasks, and often the first image we conjure up is that of ChatGPT. As AI continues to infiltrate into various environments and daily activities, BATA wants to open up the conversation about how AI can be responsibly used within different assistive technologies to help advance accessibility and inclusion for disabled people.
Three of our member organisations have collaborated on this blog to explain how they use AI and how we can embrace it for a more diverse offering within the AT sector.
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In a world where education often excludes those who don’t fit the mold, is AI actually the game-changer we’ve been waiting for? And if so, how do we do it right? Audemic co-founders Joshua Mitcham and Jose Rayo Cortes explain more.
Too often, AI is discussed in negative terms. It is said that students will lose the ability to think for themselves! That some may outsource critical thinking! But these fears overlook the potential of AI to create opportunities for those historically left behind.
Traditional learning methods, such as dense textbooks and complex academic papers, have long been a hurdle for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences. Many have been left behind, forced to believe a subject "wasn’t for them" (an assumption often echoed by their teachers and professors), simply because the system didn’t accommodate their needs.
For too long, the status quo in education has placed unnecessary roadblocks in the path of diverse learners. Imagine a dyslexic student presented with a dense research paper, or a young person with ADHD struggling to focus on text-heavy content. These barriers don’t reflect a lack of ability, just a mismatch between traditional tools and unique learning styles. AI has the potential to be a great leveller, breaking down these barriers and ensuring that all students, regardless of their learning profiles, focus on what truly matters… understanding, interpreting, and then creating.
AI, when done right, offers a solution. Tools like Audemic Scholar and Audemic Insights are breaking down these barriers by reimagining how students interact with academic materials, by simplifying access and tailoring content to diverse learning needs.
By democratizing access to knowledge, AI is transforming education from a rigid system into a dynamic, inclusive ecosystem. It’s a shift from viewing AI as a "threat" to embracing it as an opportunity to level the playing field and provide equal opportunities for those who have been previously underserved.
These innovations aren’t just accommodations—they’re bridges to academic empowerment.
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It’s important to remember that applying AI to assistive technology solutions requires a holistic approach and one that maintains the ethical standards that end users would expect. ReadSpeakers’s Gaea Vilage, Marketing Director for EMEA & NA, Licensing & Online Content Reading, explains how their voice solutions illustrate advanced, ethical development methods to support their AT offering.
“At ReadSpeaker, we use AI to develop humanlike, expressive text-to-speech (TTS) voices, with AI-enabled speech for our content reading solutions designed to make interactions with content and technology more accessible and engaging for everyone. As pioneers in TTS, we're committed to ethical development and responsible use of AI, ensuring it serves people positively.
Our AI voices are built on the contributions of talented voice actors, and we value their work. That's why we prioritize ethical sourcing of voice data, obtaining explicit consent and ensuring fair compensation for every voice actor we work with. We reject the practice of scraping voice data without permission, recognizing that it undermines the livelihoods of these professionals.
For us, it’s about collaboration over replacement and we see AI-powered voice as a tool to enhance human capabilities, not replace them. Our TTS solutions are designed to complement the work of voice actors and content creators, offering new possibilities for personalization, scalability, and accessibility. We advocate for responsible use of AI-powered voices, with safeguards in place to prevent misuse and protect the value of human talent.
Mitigating Risks, Promoting Trust.
We recognize the potential risks associated with AI voice technology, such as deepfakes and misuse. That's why we proactively implement safeguards, including restricting access to voice cloning technology and establishing clear B2B policies. We believe that transparency and accountability are crucial for building trust in AI voice technology.
Our mission is to make information and technology accessible to all, regardless of ability. We're committed to developing inclusive TTS solutions that empower all individuals, break down language barriers, and open up new avenues for more inclusive learning, gaming, communication, and everyday life interactions with technology.
We're proud to be at the forefront of ethical AI voice development for Assistive Technology, Learning & Development, and Game Accessibility. By prioritizing data integrity, protecting voice actors, and promoting enhanced accessibility, we're helping to create a more inclusive and equitable world.
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It’s interesting to expand the conventional view of AI and think about it as a tool to promote greater independence. This is where SensePilot is pioneering their technology to help people who need alternative and augmentative communication methods. Co-founder Iveta Jonikaite elaborates on the organisation's mission:
“At SensePilot, we believe AI has the power to transform Assistive Technology, making it more adaptable and impactful for individuals with limited or no hand mobility. Computer access methods can be both costly and complex, leaving many without the tools needed for greater independence; AI is changing that.”
Our innovations, such as AI-powered head-tracking and facial gesture control, enable users to control PCs with accuracy and engage in complex gaming using only standard webcams - activities that once required expensive specialized equipment or were entirely out of reach. Looking ahead, we aim to expand support to Android systems and integrate additional input methods like voice, sound, and eye gaze, further broadening accessibility.
We are committed to using AI responsibly and ethically, ensuring that our technology enhances well-being and improves quality of life. Our goal is to foster an inclusive digital environment where everyone can participate in social, cultural, and economic life - critical elements of personal fulfillment and purpose.
Ultimately, the value of AI lies in the intention behind its use. At SensePilot, we see it as a tool to empower, not exclude. We are dedicated to making AI-driven solutions more accessible, reliable, and affordable, ensuring that those who need them most can benefit from the opportunities they provide.”
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As AI continues to reshape the assistive technology landscape, its potential to empower and include is becoming recognised—but only when done right. The stories shared by Audemic, ReadSpeaker, and SensePilot highlight that AI is not a replacement but a catalyst; bridging gaps, removing barriers, and creating new opportunities for people historically left behind.
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Would you like to get involved in our conversations about AI and AT? Contact BATA’s Communications Co-ordinator Jade Hegarty by emailing jade.hegarty@bataonline.org.
