Facilitating the implementation of AI-based assistive technologies for persons with disabilities in vocational rehabilitation: A practical design thinking approach
![](https://ojsdergi.com/ojsicons/gor.png)
![](https://ojsdergi.com/ojsicons/pdf.png)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31039/plic.2023.8.164Keywords:
design thinking, vocational learning, AI-ATAbstract
What is vocational learning? It refers to education and training that focuses on acquiring practical skills and knowledge directly related to specific jobs or careers. All over the world, it is unfortunate that a person with a disability is less likely to be employed than one without. AI has served as an important tool in providing assistive technologies for persons with disabilities in vocational learning. Luckily, design thinking which is an extension of innovation that allows you to design solutions for end users with a single problem statement in mind was developed.
In this research we sought out ways in which AI has helped those with disabilities. Are the AIs really effective? Do they come with any challenges? Can these problems be solved? We discovered some challenges encountered through the use of these AI and found a way to solve them. By leveraging AI algorithms, researchers and developers can create cost-effective solutions that cater to a wide range of disabilities.
This includes AI-powered prosthetics, smart glasses for visual assistance, AI voice technologies, such as Siri, Alexa, accessibility tools such as screen readers, captioning services and other assistive devices that enhance mobility, communication, and overall independence and autonomy. AI can track and analyse an individual’s progress in vocational training then adaptive learning platforms can adjust the difficulty and pace of training materials based on the learner’s performance and progress.
Incorporating AI into vocational training can significantly enhance accessibility, individualised support, and the overall learning experience for people with disabilities. It empowers them to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to pursue meaningful careers and contributes to greater inclusivity in the workforce.
References
Abou-Zahra, S., Brewer, J., & Cooper, M. (2018, April). Artificial intelligence (AI) for web accessibility: Is conformance evaluation a way forward. In Proceedings of the 15th International Web for All Conference (pp. 1-4).
Akbari Y., Hassen H., Subramanian N., Kunhoth J., Al-Maadeed S., Alhajyaseen W. (2020, February). A vision-based zebra crossing detection method for people with visual impairments; Proceedings of the 2020 IEEE International Conference on Informatics, IoT and Enabling Technologies (ICIoT).
Von Thienen, J. P., Clancey, W. J., Corazza, G. E., & Meinel, C. (2018). Theoretical foundations of design thinking: part I: John E. Arnold’s creative thinking theories. Design Thinking Research: Making Distinctions: Collaboration versus Cooperation, 13-40.
Beudt, S., Blanc, B., Feichtenbeiner, R., & Kähler, M. (2020). Critical reflection of AI applications for persons with disabilities in vocational rehabilitation.
Negru, S., & Buraga, S. (2012, August). Towards a conceptual model for describing the personas methodology. In 2012 IEEE 8th International Conference on Intelligent Computer Communication and Processing (pp. 99-102). IEEE.
Carlgren, L. (2013). Design thinking as an enabler of innovation: Exploring the concept and its relation to building innovation capabilities. Chalmers Tekniska Högskola (Sweden).
Chasanidou, D., Gasparini, A. A., & Lee, E. (2015). Design thinking methods and tools for innovation. In Design, User Experience, and Usability: Design Discourse: 4th International Conference, DUXU 2015, Held as Part of HCI International 2015, Los Angeles, CA, USA, August 2-7, 2015, Proceedings, Part I (pp. 12-23). Springer International Publishing.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2023 Lakeisha Onyango, Precious Jadini, Rahma Ahmed Darwesh, Uthaynah Abdullatif
![Creative Commons License](http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/4.0/88x31.png)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
Share: copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format. The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms. Under the following terms: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives-No additional restrictions.
Authors retain copyright and agree to license their articles with a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-