Experts Discuss Challenges for People with Disabilities Posed by AI

Borislava Bibinovska, Dimitrina Solakova

Discussion on "People with Disabilities and the Development of New Technologies: Opportunities, Risks and Prospects", Sofia, February 21, 2025 (BTA Photo/Milena Stoykova)

Sofia,

21.02.2025 18:46

(BTA)

The challenges that artificial intelligence (AI) poses to people with disabilities were discussed by experts here on Friday. The event, titled "People with Disabilities and the Development of New Technologies: Opportunities, Risks and Prospects", was organized by the Global Disability Movement.

According to some of the participants, AI can support people in need in their daily lives, but it can also put them at a disadvantage, especially in the field of employment. The focus of the discussion was how people with disabilities can be a valuable resource in the economy. Participants expressed that these people are hardworking and ambitious and can help the economy.

In the European Union, only 50.8% of people with disabilities are employed, compared to 75% of those without disabilities, said European Economic and Social Committee President Seamus Boland. Regarding new technologies, the expert said we need to be careful how AI will affect people with disabilities and whether they will be affected in a negative way. He said AI algorithms could disadvantage these citizens if, for example, they screen them out of job advertisements. "AI can be positive, but there are also risks and we need to make sure it will not be discriminatory," Boland said. Employers, authorities and trade unions should work together to remove barriers to employment for people with disabilities, he argued.

Podkrepa Confederation of Labour President Dimitar Manolov said they are trying to help as much as they can. In his words, people may be inspired by AI, but they may also be intimidated. He believes that this technology cannot instil emotion, cannot show the ethics and morality that humans show.

Irish Ambassador to Bulgaria Catherine Bannon said it is important that the workplace is inclusive. As a passport officer in her country years ago, she worked with several people with hearing impairments, she noted.

Economic and Social Council Chair Zornitsa Rusinova said politicians and society still owe a lot to people with disabilities in Bulgaria. She added that an analysis will be made of the role of artificial intelligence on the labour market, including the threat to jobs and people's rights.

/RY/