Ahead of a key vote in the European Parliament, the European Disability Forum calls on Members of the European Parliament committees of Civil Liberties and Internal Market to ensure the Parliament’s position mandates accessibility requirements for AI systems and products so they are accessible for persons with disabilities.
This provision, which was not present in the European Commission’s proposal, is essential to ensure persons with disabilities are not left irremediable behind during the process of digital transformation entailed by the fast-paced development of AI systems and products using them. It is crucial that the EU reinforces the work started by the European Accessibility Act by ensuring the AI Act refers to it.
Yannis Vardakastanis, the President of the European Disability Forum, stated:
Artificial Intelligence systems are creating huge changes in society – and imposing significant barriers due to inaccessibility, leaving persons with disabilities behind. We call on the European Parliament to live up to its obligations as defenders of all EU citizens and ensure these systems are accessible to us.
The European Disability Forum is not the only organisation concerned about this – a report by UN disability expert Prof Gerard Quinn indicated the need for accessible AI stating, “Persons with disabilities – so often the farthest left behind – will simply have no chance to catch up unless the technology is properly harnessed.”
In addition to its concerns on accessibility, the European Disability Forum recently adopted a resolution detailing concerns and demands for the AI Act, including:
- Promote meaningful involvement of experts with disabilities and accessibility professionals in the development of AI;
- Guarantee accessible, affordable and available AI systems that promote socio-economic participation and independent living;
- Enlarge the list of prohibited use to areas such as; use by law enforcement, biometric identification; use in systems related to gaining access to essential services, government allowances, access to education, access to employment, and provision of healthcare and emergency services;
- Ensure privacy and data protection;
- Prohibit public and private entities from using AI to recognise emotions
Related documents
- Resolution on the EU Artificial intelligence Act for the inclusion of persons with disabilities
- Report “Plug and Pray? A disability perspective on artificial intelligence, automated decision-making and emerging technologies“