Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing rapidly. It is shaping the day-to-day life of everyone. Used in the right way, AI can for promote the rights of people with disabilities. When AI is developed or used, it should with human rights in mind and take us in a positive direction. Universal design is crucial when creating products, environments, programs, and services that can be used by everyone, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design for certain groups. AI can be used to improve access to information, make social and healthcare services better, and facilitate the development of helping tools such as voice recognition, screen magnifiers, hearing aids or wheelchairs.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 16% of the global population (around 1.3 billion people) currently experience significant disabilities. It is a human right, but also a potential economic benefit to consider disabilities in the development of AI. It can encourage people with disabilities to use their full potential in the workplace or help them find work if they are outside of the labour market.
The vision of the Nordic Prime Ministers is to make the Nordic Region the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030. In line with the Nordic Programme for Co-operation on Disability Issues 2023–2027, human rights and participation are non-negotiable principles of Nordic co-operation on disability issues and digitalisation. If the use of AI is to develop in a positive direction, and if we are to use the opportunities it can offer those with disabilities, we must make sure that the process includes people with disabilities and their rights.
Earlier, the Nordic Ministers of Health and Social Affairs adopted in 2023 a declaration on digital solutions for people with disabilities. It said that it is vital that everyone has access to digital solutions if the Nordic Region is to achieve its vision 2030.
The Nordic and Baltic ministers for digitalisation mentioned this also in a joint statement in 2021 as well as highlighting the importance of digital inclusion in the region’s digital transformation.
All of the Nordic and Baltic countries have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The obligations under the UNCRPD have a human rights-based approach to promoting and protecting the rights of people with disabilities in the context of AI development and use.
In line with the UNCRPD, states have a duty to consult and actively involve those with disabilities in decision-making processes that concern them. People with disabilities must be guaranteed equal access to information and communication on an equal basis with others. This includes information and communications on technologies and systems.