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Bridging the AI Divide: Towards Equitable Technology Futures for People with Disabilities
IRB 5137 and Zoom: https://umd.zoom.us/j/98495031728?pwd=Q0lqKzRNMFlMMm1EQTFrcmFsTDFEQT09
Thursday, March 28, 2024, 2:00-3:15 pm Calendar
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Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) carries much promise for people with disabilities, particularly in their ability to address unmet needs by enabling the design of novel accessible technologies, scaling deployments, and creating personalized experiences. Yet, this rapid proliferation, like prior large-scale technological shifts, risks leaving people with disabilities behind, resulting in what I term the AI divide. In this talk, I outline my work exploring the causes of the AI divide. I use case studies with people with visual impairments in India and draw from critical disability studies to highlight how the AI divide is the outcome of (1) ableist technology gatekeepers, (2) culturally misaligned models, and (3) ineffective governance mechanisms. I highlight the need for a multi-pronged approach that centers community engagement and inclusive policy development to bridge the AI divide. I conclude with my future research agenda, which outlines opportunities to further engage with the AI divide.

Bio

Vaishnav Kameswaran is a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Values-Centered AI initiative at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research examines the Artificial Intelligence (AIdivide i.e., the unequal access and utilization of AI, in the domain of accessibility. He uses a socio-technical lens to study the underlying causes and effects of the AI divide on people with disabilities and explores mechanisms to bridge the gap. His work leverages community-centered participatory approaches and is grounded in critical disability studies. His research efforts contribute novel theory and design and policy implications for inclusive Accessible Technology (AT) innovation. Vaishnav’s award-winning research has been published at premier Human-Computer Interaction venues, including ACM CHI, CSCW, ASSETS, and FAccT. Vaishnav completed his Ph.D. in Information at the University of Michigan – School of Information.

This talk is organized by Emily Dacquisto