As Generative AI tools become more widely available, their potential to support disabled people is starting to receive long-overdue attention. While much of the public conversation has focused on productivity and automation benefits more widely, these technologies are quietly reshaping accessibility, offering meaningful support for people who have historically been excluded from full participation in digital life.
More than 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability, according to the World Health Organisation. In the UK, that figure is estimated at 16 million, or around a quarter of the population. Despite advances in inclusive design, many digital services remain difficult to access, especially for people who rely on screen readers, need simplified content, or process information differently. AI isn’t a simple silver bullet, but it is helping to bridge these gaps. And, as with any tool, the way it is applied will determine whether it delivers real progress or simply reinforces existing barriers, as Léonie Watson, Co-Founder at TetraLogical explains.
A new way to engage with informationFor many neurodivergent people, consuming large volumes of information can be a real challenge. Long reports, academic and administrative documents are often difficult to process due to issues with focus, language, or executive functioning.
Generative AI offers ways to simplify this experience. It can help by condensing documents into clear summaries, rephrasing ideas into plain language, and responding to follow-up questions to clarify areas that weren’t fully understood in the first instance. This turns reading into an active process where users set the pace and shape the content around their own needs. In an era of constant overstimulation and information overloads, this kind of personalisation is fast becoming essential for many.
Improving access for blind and low vision usersPeople with visual impairments and low vision face persistent barriers online, especially when content isn’t designed with accessibility in mind. PDFs are a notoriously common problem: many are scanned images or contain layouts that are inaccessible for screen readers. AI tools can now extract meaning from these formats, summarising content and presenting it in more digestible forms.
AI also enables ad hoc image description. Whether it’s a photo, or a diagram with no alt text, users can request a detailed summary of what is shown. This extends to everyday content such as restaurant menus, infographics and social media posts, or, put simply, areas where accessibility is often overlooked.
Seeing the world in real timeSome of the most exciting developments are happening in real-time visual description. AI tools built into smart glasses or mobile apps can now analyse a live video feed to provide instant feedback about the user’s surroundings. For blind or low vision users, this could mean identifying objects in a room, reading signs while navigating, or simply having a better understanding of what is going on around them in a social setting. There are still challenges here, particularly around battery life, privacy and consistency. But as the technology improves, so too does its potential to support greater independence.
Opportunities and Limitations
Despite their promise, AI tools should not be seen as a replacement for inclusive design. Nor should their outputs be taken at face value. AI systems can and do make mistakes: image descriptions can include hallucinations with confident but incorrect details, and document summaries may contain factual errors or even fabricated content.
This means users must approach AI outputs critically and treat AI as a helpful assistant, not a final authority. For some, this adds a layer of digital literacy to the accessibility equation. For designers and developers, it’s a reminder that AI should support, but not sidestep, the core principles of accessibility.
Designing with care
The role of AI in accessibility is likely to grow, but only if it’s developed and applied with care. Recent UK research found that over a third of disabled people are concerned they will be left behind as AI becomes more widely used in healthcare and public services. Many also fear that if disabled people are not involved in the design process, these tools will fail to meet their needs.
When the dust settles on the hype around AI, it will not be just about what this technology can do, but also about who it is built with, and how it is made available. Used thoughtfully, AI can support greater equity. But it must be developed alongside a commitment to accessible standards, inclusive practices, and real user involvement.
Put simply, inclusion doesn’t happen by accident. It takes planning, listening, and a willingness to challenge assumptions. AI can help open doors, but it’s up to us to make sure everyone is invited in.
