Artificial intelligence, a tool for accessibility

Enrique Varela, an expert in digital accessibility and social technology, was the second speaker in the cycle "Training to understand disability", organized by Tantaka, the Solidarity Time Bank of the University of Navarra, in partnership with the Iddeas Foundation. Under the degree scroll "AI: a last big step in the degree program of inclusion", the session addressed the impact of artificial intelligence on the lives of people with disabilities and the need for an inclusive technological design .

Throughout his speech, Varela highlighted how technology, in its evolution, has been offering increasingly accessible solutions, although with persistent challenges. "The problem is that it isoften designed with a perfect person in mind, without considering the real needs of users," he said. In this sense, he stressed the importance of involving people with disabilities themselves in the development of digital tools to ensure their accessibility from the ground up.

One of the core topic of the talk was the potential of AI to transform accessibility. From artificial vision systems that can help visually impaired people, to applications that allow a wheelchair to drive itself automatically, artificial intelligence offers new opportunities to improve autonomy and quality of life. However, Varela warned about recurring mistakes in the technology industry, such as the lack of testing with real users or the tendency to develop universal solutions without considering the diversity of needs.

At the end of the session, attendees reflected on the role of artificial intelligence in building a more inclusive future. With this discussion paper, the "Training to understand disability" series continues to promote accessibility and universal design in the digital era.

Coinciding with the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the invention of Braille, the next session will take place on Monday, February 17, at 14:00, in the theater of the University Museum of Navarra. It will be given by Marina Rojas, from the Spanish Braille Commission - ONCE, and will be degree scroll "Caress inclusion, learn Braille".