AI, Accessibility And Rights Of Persons With Disabilities
Source: The Hindu
GS II: Vulnerable Sections, Welfare of persons with disabilities, Constitutional rights and role of judiciary, GS III: Artificial Intelligence, Technology and Inclusive Growth, GS IV: Algorithmic bias, fairness, accountability and ethical use of technology
Overview
- AI can improve accessibility, independence and participation of persons with disabilities through assistive technologies and digital services.
- However, limited representation in datasets and system design can create disability bias and new forms of digital exclusion.
- India’s RPwD Act, 2016 and the Accessible India Campaign provide a rights-based framework for equality, accessibility and inclusion.
- Ensuring inclusive AI design, representative datasets, accessibility standards and bias audits is essential for equitable digital transformation.
Why in the News?
A recent The Hindu opinion article highlights the need to make Artificial Intelligence (AI) inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities.
News in Brief
- AI can assist persons with disabilities in reading documents, interpreting images, filling forms and accessing digital services.
- However, AI systems can carry disability bias because persons with disabilities remain under-represented in datasets and system design.
- The Supreme Court’s Rajive Raturi judgment (2024) recognised accessibility as part of the right to life and dignity under Article 21 and directed the government to frame mandatory accessibility standards.
- With increasing AI adoption in governance, recruitment and healthcare, inclusive design, representative datasets and disability-bias testing are essential.
Key Highlights
AI as an enabler
- Artificial Intelligence can improve the everyday lives of persons with disabilities by reducing barriers to communication and access.
- AI-powered screen readers, speech-to-text tools, image descriptions and real-time assistance can help people access information, use digital services and perform tasks more independently.
- Thus, AI can become an important tool for greater autonomy and participation.
Risk of algorithmic bias
- AI systems are only as inclusive as the data design behind them.
- When persons with disabilities are poorly represented in training datasets or are not involved in product design and testing, AI systems may produce inaccurate or unsuitable results.
- Such bias can create new forms of exclusion, particularly in areas such as recruitment, education, healthcare and access to public services.
Accessibility as a right
- Accessibility is not merely a matter of convenience or welfare; it is closely linked to equality, dignity and meaningful participation in society.
- In Rajive Raturi v. Union of India (2024), the Supreme Court recognized accessibility as an important component of the rights guaranteed under Article 21and stressed the need for enforceable accessibility standards.
Digital accessibility
- The idea of accessibility must now extend beyond ramps, buildings and transport.
- As government and private services increasingly move online, websites, mobile applications, digital payments, e-KYC systems and AI-based platforms must also be accessible to persons with different disabilities.
- Inclusive digital design can prevent technology from becoming another barrier to participation.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 is the principal legislation dealing with the rights and entitlements of persons with disabilities in India.
- It replaced the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 and reflects India’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Key Provisions
- Equality and non-discrimination
- The Act recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to equality, dignity and equal treatment.
- It seeks to prevent discrimination on the ground of dignity.
- Accessibility
- It provides for accessibility in the built environment, transport, information and communication technology and public services.
- This is particularly relevant in the context of AI-driven digital governance.
- Education and Employment
- The Act provides for inclusive education and reservation in government employment for persons with benchmark disabilities, along with other measures for their participation in social and economic life.
- Social security
- It provides for measures relating to social security, healthcare, rehabilitation and support services to promote independent living and participation.
- Institutional framework
- The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is the nodal department for matters concerning persons with disabilities.
Accessible India Campaign
- The Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) was launched to create a more accessible environment for persons with disabilities.
- Its focus extends to;
- Built environment- making public buildings and spaces accessible.
- Transport- Improving accessibility in airports, railway stations, buses and other transport systems.
- Information and communication- making websites, digital platforms and information services accessible.
- With the growing use of AI and digital public infrastructure, the campaign’s broader objective of accessibility becomes increasingly important.
- The next step is to ensure that emerging technologies are designed inclusively from the beginning rather than making them accessible only after barriers emerge.
Way Forward and Conclusion
India should adopt a “design for all” approach by involving persons with disabilities in the design, testing and evaluation of AI systems. Representative datasets, regular disability-bias audits, accessible digital platforms and enforceable accessibility standards can help make AI more inclusive. Capacity building and awareness among developers, government agencies and service providers are equally important.
AI should ultimately be used to merely to improve efficiency but to expand equal participation and human dignity. By combining technological innovation with accessibility, accountability and the rights-based approach of the RPwD Act, India can ensure that the digital transformation leaves no section behind.
UPSC Prelims and Mains Practice Question
Consider the following statements:
1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 replaced the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995.
2. The Supreme Court has recognised accessibility as part of the right to life and dignity under Article 21.
3. The Accessible India Campaign is concerned only with accessibility of physical infrastructure.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1,2 and 3
Answer: 1 and 2 only
Mains Practice Question
Q) As Artificial Intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into public services, examine the challenges of ensuring accessibility and preventing disability bias. Suggest measures for building inclusive AI systems in India. (15 marks)
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