Blind and partially sighted people risk being left behind in AI revolution, warns UN ambassador

Blind and partially sighted people risk being left behind in AI revolution, warns UN ambassador

Blind and partially sighted people risk being shut out of the AI revolution, a leading diplomat has warned.

Dr Walton Aubrey Webson, the first visually impaired UN Ambassador, will tell a major tech conference in Glasgow that AI models should have accessibility built into them from the start.

Without proper safeguards, they could “inadvertently perpetuate biases” which exclude blind and partially sighted people, leaving them further behind, he is expected to say.

The Inclusive Design for Sustainability conference, organised by RNIB Scotland, will explore how cutting-edge technology is transforming the lives of people with sight loss worldwide.

Opening the conference today [MON], Dr Webson, who represents Antigua and Barbuda at the UN, will call for tech firms to prioritise accessibility from the start.

He will warn that AI systems trained on biased or incomplete data risk deepening inequalities rather than removing barriers.

More than a billion people worldwide have some form of sight disorder, and that number is growing.

AI has the potential to transform daily life for people with sight loss, from navigation to accessing information. But without accessibility at its core, it could create new barriers instead of breaking them down, Dr Webson will say.

The conference at Glasgow Science Centre will showcase the latest advances in AI, with demonstrations of cutting-edge technology such as robotic guide dogs and smart canes.

Sponsored by Google and Meta, one of the key sessions will explore how AI can be harnessed to make everyday life more inclusive for those with disabilities.

Dr Webson, who lost his sight as a child due to a rare cancer, will highlight how technology has long helped blind people navigate the world more independently.

While innovations such as screen readers and adaptive devices have transformed lives, he will warn that AI risks deepening inequalities if accessibility is not prioritised.

He will call for stronger regulations and industry standards to ensure accessibility is embedded from the start.

Dr Webson will also raise concerns about privacy and security, warning that AI tools often rely on personal data.

He will stress the need for safeguards so users know how their data is used and can make informed choices.

Dr Webson is expected to say:

“AI algorithms can inadvertently perpetuate biases if they are trained on datasets that do not adequately represent the diversity of persons with disabilities.

“This can lead to the development of technologies that do not effectively serve all users.

“Ensuring diverse representation in training data is essential to creating fair and equitable AI solutions.

“Implementing robust data protection measures and obtaining informed consent is crucial to ensuring that users feel safe and secure while using assistive technologies.

“Major technology companies must seriously incorporate inclusive design into their innovation and product development processes.

“We must view inclusive design not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental aspect of technological development.

“Together, we can create a world where technology is genuinely a wheel of opportunity for all.”

RNIB Scotland is hosting the conference as part of its mission to ensure everyone with sight loss has access to the technology they need to live independently.

Around 183,000 people in Scotland and more than two million across the UK have significant sight loss, and that number is expected to rise.

With an ageing population and increasing rates of conditions like diabetes, the number of people affected could double within 20 years.

James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, said:

“It’s a privilege to welcome Dr Webson, who has been a strong advocate for the rights of visually impaired people and those with other disabilities, alongside other experts at our conference.

“Their perspectives are invaluable in guiding us towards a future where technology is truly inclusive.

“The rapid advancements in technology offer us a unique opportunity to address exclusion and improve accessibility for those with sight loss.

“With the number of people affected by sight loss expected to rise significantly, it’s more important than ever that we prioritise inclusivity in the development of new tech.

“We must work together to ensure that no one is left behind in the AI revolution.

“Only then can we create a world where technology opens doors for all.”

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