AI as an Accessibility tool

The Deaf community faces unique cultural challenges beyond language barriers, including communication needs and navigating differences with hearing culture. Our study found that Text AI can serve as a cultural mediator, bridging gaps between Deaf and hearing cultures in contexts ranging from everyday interactions to addressing ableism.

Participants reported that Text AI boosted their confidence in writing by providing nonjudgmental corrections and improving grammar, vocabulary, tone, and fluency.

A significant potential of GenAI lies in its ability to serve as a "cognitive partner," empowering participation of people with cognitive disabilities in life domains that were previously blocked or limited for them.

GenAI can help a person with cognitive disabilities manage daily tasks such as scheduling, budgeting, or navigating urban spaces by providing personalized reminders, recommendations, and guidance. Additionally, it can serve as an advisor in complex social situations, such as interpreting body language, suggesting appropriate responses, or assisting in decision-making.

In this way, GenAI may act as a kind of "social copilot," providing real-time support and feedback, allowing persons with cognitive disability to expand their circle of social interactions, inclusion, and activities.