Though machine learning has become more ubiquitous, discussions on AI bias tend to center around gender and race, and not disability. However, there tends to be lower representation for disabled individuals in datasets due to selective disclosure of disability. Even when disability information is being intentionally collected, some may choose not to reveal their disability — likely in fear of social or financial consequences in doing so. 

The Difficulty of Disability Fairness in Relation to AI

Using big online datasets and AI models at the time of publication (2020), a group of Google researchers studied the negative/positive sentiments associated with language surrounding disability in online discourse. 

Disability Bias in NLP Models

- Disability Bias in AI Assistive Technology
- Disability Bias in NLP Models

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

- Vision
- Hearing
- Speech communication
- Learning, cognition, and developmental
- Mobility, seating, and positioning
- Daily Living
- Environmental Adaptations
- Vehicle modification and transportation
- Computers and related peripherals
- Recreation, sports, and leisure 
- Augmented Reality
- AI as Assistive Technology
- Assistive technology for students with disabilities

Assistive Technology for Vision

- personal amplification systems, 
- wireless TV listening systems, 
- vibrating alarm clocks, 
- doorbell with flashing light alert, 
- portable closed captioning system, 
- face-to-face dual keyboard communication system, 
- amplified telephones, 
- phone with captioning,

Assistive Technology for Hearing

- voice amplification systems, 
- stuttering aids, 
- artificial larynx, 
- communication boards, 
- speech output software, 
- symbol-making software,
- speech generating devices

Assistive Technology for Speech Communication

- memory aids
- text-to-speech systems to support learning (not related to vision needs)
- reminder systems
- notetaking systems
- audio books

Assistive Technology for Learning, cognition, and development

- wheelchairs, 
- walkers, 
- canes, 
- crutches, 
- scooters

Assistive Technology for Mobility, Seating, and Positioning

- dressing aids such as zipper pulls and button hooks, 
long handle shoe horn, 
- Reacher, 
- adapted kitchen tools and eating utensils, 
- walker carrying bag, 
- wheelchair cup holder, 
- book stand, 
- automatic soap dispenser, 
- vacuum robot, 

Assistive Technology for Daily Living

- door openers, 
- lifts, 
- ramps, 
- systems designed to remotely control appliances and/or electronics

Assistive Technology: Environmental Adaptations

- Vehicle hand controls, 
- devices for  securing a wheelchair to the floor of a vehicle, 
- ramps, 
- lifts, 
- raised roofs
- adaptive seat belts. 

Assistive Technology for Transportation

- screen magnification software 
- alternative keyboards and input devices, 
- voice recognition.

Assistive Technology for Computer Use

- playing card shuffler
- adapted sporting equipment

Assistive Technology for Recreation, Sports, and Leisure 

A recent study found that emotional recognition training with pictures and contextual information significantly improved the ability to identify emotions for people with moderate learning disabilities. However, the ability to identify emotions depend on factors such as age and intellectual ability, as well as with the demands of the task, recognition or labelling. In the experiment founded, participants were presented with coloured photographs depicting different emotions and facial features were pointed out to recall them or recreate them. Video clips of emotions were also shown to evoke feelings for the participants. As a result, people with learning disabilities performed better in identify emotions for assessment tasks for photos displayed with context versus without context. 

Accessibility for Emotional Learning in Learning Disabilities 


Assistive technology utilizing AR experience to bridge the digital and physical worlds, with the capacity to address multiple types of disability. 

Augmented Reality

AI as Assistive Technology

Exploring the impacts of Assistive Technology on students at school from primary, secondary, and university.

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