Disabled people are key to making artificial intelligence (AI) accessible in the workplace, according to new UK research highlighting both the promise of the technology and a significant awareness gap.
A poll of 1,032 disabled adults found that two-fifths (40%) believe AI tools would be more accessible if disabled people were directly involved in their design, development and testing. However, just under a quarter (24%) recognised AI’s potential to improve access to employment and workplace experiences.
The research, conducted by Business Disability Forum (BDF) in partnership with Opinium, reflects wider challenges around workplace accessibility. Previous research has found that many disabled employees still face barriers to staying in and progressing at work.
RISING DEMAND FOR ACCESSIBLE AI DESIGN & SUPPORT
When asked how AI accessibility could be improved, respondents identified several priorities:
- Creating more user-friendly interfaces (38%).
- Greater availability of information about how AI can support disabled people (37%).
- More support to help disabled people get started with AI (36%).
These findings reinforce long-standing calls for inclusive design from the outset, rather than retrofitting accessibility later.
AI: A TOOL FOR INDEPENDENCE & IMPROVED COMMUNICATION
Views were also sought on how AI could help disabled people now and in the future. Over a third of disabled adults surveyed believe AI tools can:
- Improve communications (38%).
- Improve online experiences (34%).
Other commonly cited benefits include:
- Improved access to healthcare information and communication (33%).
- Better access to education (32%).
- Improved accessibility of digital content (32%).
- Support for independent living (31%).
These findings align with wider evidence that inclusive practices and technologies can improve outcomes for both employees and businesses.
INCLUSIVE & ACCESSIBLE DESIGNS
However, uncertainty remains. One in five disabled UK adults surveyed said they did not think AI products could help disabled people (20%), while a further 18% said they did not know if they would.
The findings are broadly reflected across the wider UK population. A separate Opinium poll of 2,000 UK adults found:
- Over a third (34%) believe designing and developing AI products with disabled people would make them more accessible.
- Only around a fifth (22%) recognised AI’s potential to improve access to employment and workplace experiences for disabled people.
This scepticism comes amid persistent accessibility gaps across workplaces, as reported.
MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE
“There is the potential for AI products and tools to make a radical and positive difference to disabled people but with AI developing at pace, there is also the risk that disabled people could be left behind,” stated Lara Davis, Communications Director at Business Disability Forum. “The findings of our poll suggest that while many disabled people think AI will bring benefits, some are unsure, highlighting the need for AI to be designed and developed with disabled people, as well as greater access to training and information.
“From a workplace perspective, this means that employers should actively consider the needs of disabled employees when developing organisational AI strategies. By consulting with disabled staff and involving them in the process, businesses can make sure the AI tools they introduce work and make tasks easier for everyone.”
This warning echoes broader concerns that disability inclusion could be sidelined as AI adoption accelerates.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS
BDF has made the following recommendations to help employers embed inclusion in AI strategies:
- Prioritise intentional inclusion in AI strategy: Accessibility and disability inclusion should be core, non-negotiable considerations. Strategies should define what inclusion looks like and ensure it is delivered from design through to deployment.
- Fully involve disabled workers: Consult disabled employees throughout, from defining AI needs to procurement, user testing and review. Consider compatibility with assistive technology, which many disabled people rely on.
- Use ethical judgement and human oversight: Ensure AI supports rather than replaces human decision-making and does not create additional barriers.
- Provide accessible training: Offer learning opportunities so disabled staff can understand AI tools and all employees recognise the importance of accessibility.
Check out BDF’s resources on how organisations can realise the benefits of AI without leaving disabled employees behind here.
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