AI's Role in Improving Lives of People with Disabilities
AI is playing a significant role in improving the lives of people with disabilities by enhancing their independence. For visually impaired individuals, AI-powered screen readers are becoming more sophisticated, able to navigate complex on-screen elements and even interpret real-world environments. Apps like Seeing AI and Be My Eyes can describe the surroundings or identify objects in front of the user. AI is also improving hearing aids by enhancing speech clarity in noisy environments and translating speech into sign language in real-time. For individuals with mobility disabilities, AI is being used to develop self-navigating wheelchairs and smart exoskeletons that can adapt to the user's abilities and body. However, it's crucial that AI solutions are designed with inclusivity in mind from the outset to prevent widening the gap between able-bodied individuals and those with disabilities.