Tech First Talk - Session 21- Generative AI: Expanding Independence and Self-Determination for People with Disabilities: A Call to Action
Session Title: Generative AI: Expanding Independence and Self-Determination for People with Disabilities: A Call to Action
Session Description: Generative AI will revolutionize opportunities for people with disabilities to enhance their independence, self-determination and decision-making. With the new ability of AI to talk back to you (conversational AI), user-friendly, free tools are now accessible to anyone with a smartphone--offering new ways for people with disabilities to communicate, learn, and navigate daily life. However, alongside these benefits come significant risks, including exploitation, fraud and AI bias which must be addressed.
In this Tech First Talk, Mark will explore the transformative potential of AI-driven tools in promoting independence and self-determination. He will showcase real-world applications that empower people with disabilities while addressing key challenges such as ethical use, AI bias, exploitation, abuse, and digital accessibility. The session will focus on a call to action. How can we ensure these tools are safely and effectively integrated into the lives of people with disabilities? What role can you play in bridging the digital divide--alongside people with disabilities, their families, direct support professionals, educators, and advocates? Join us as we explore the opportunities and responsibilities that come with Generative AI. Together, we can create a future where technology is equally accessible, beneficial and empowering for all.
About Mark: Dr. Mark Friedman is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Disability Studies at the City University of New York (CUNY) and a nationally recognized advocate for disability rights, self-advocacy, and inclusive policymaking. His work has focused on empowering people with disabilities to gain a voice in their lives, move from large state institutions into community programs and leveraging technology for greater independence. Dr. Friedman earned his Ph.D. from the Union Institute and University and has presented to audiences in 22 states as well as internationally in Ecuador and Kosovo. He is the author of thirteen publications and has been a key voice in disability policy, training, and education. His work was recently featured in The New York Times.
Session Title: Generative AI: Expanding Independence and Self-Determination for People with Disabilities: A Call to Action
Session Description: Generative AI will revolutionize opportunities for people with disabilities to enhance their independence, self-determination and decision-making. With the new ability of AI to talk back to you (conversational AI), user-friendly, free tools are now accessible to anyone with a smartphone--offering new ways for people with disabilities to communicate, learn, and navigate daily life. However, alongside these benefits come significant risks, including exploitation, fraud and AI bias which must be addressed.
In this Tech First Talk, Mark will explore the transformative potential of AI-driven tools in promoting independence and self-determination. He will showcase real-world applications that empower people with disabilities while addressing key challenges such as ethical use, AI bias, exploitation, abuse, and digital accessibility. The session will focus on a call to action. How can we ensure these tools are safely and effectively integrated into the lives of people with disabilities? What role can you play in bridging the digital divide--alongside people with disabilities, their families, direct support professionals, educators, and advocates? Join us as we explore the opportunities and responsibilities that come with Generative AI. Together, we can create a future where technology is equally accessible, beneficial and empowering for all.
About Mark: Dr. Mark Friedman is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Disability Studies at the City University of New York (CUNY) and a nationally recognized advocate for disability rights, self-advocacy, and inclusive policymaking. His work has focused on empowering people with disabilities to gain a voice in their lives, move from large state institutions into community programs and leveraging technology for greater independence. Dr. Friedman earned his Ph.D. from the Union Institute and University and has presented to audiences in 22 states as well as internationally in Ecuador and Kosovo. He is the author of thirteen publications and has been a key voice in disability policy, training, and education. His work was recently featured in The New York Times.
Session Title: Generative AI: Expanding Independence and Self-Determination for People with Disabilities: A Call to Action
Session Description: Generative AI will revolutionize opportunities for people with disabilities to enhance their independence, self-determination and decision-making. With the new ability of AI to talk back to you (conversational AI), user-friendly, free tools are now accessible to anyone with a smartphone--offering new ways for people with disabilities to communicate, learn, and navigate daily life. However, alongside these benefits come significant risks, including exploitation, fraud and AI bias which must be addressed.
In this Tech First Talk, Mark will explore the transformative potential of AI-driven tools in promoting independence and self-determination. He will showcase real-world applications that empower people with disabilities while addressing key challenges such as ethical use, AI bias, exploitation, abuse, and digital accessibility. The session will focus on a call to action. How can we ensure these tools are safely and effectively integrated into the lives of people with disabilities? What role can you play in bridging the digital divide--alongside people with disabilities, their families, direct support professionals, educators, and advocates? Join us as we explore the opportunities and responsibilities that come with Generative AI. Together, we can create a future where technology is equally accessible, beneficial and empowering for all.
About Mark: Dr. Mark Friedman is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Disability Studies at the City University of New York (CUNY) and a nationally recognized advocate for disability rights, self-advocacy, and inclusive policymaking. His work has focused on empowering people with disabilities to gain a voice in their lives, move from large state institutions into community programs and leveraging technology for greater independence. Dr. Friedman earned his Ph.D. from the Union Institute and University and has presented to audiences in 22 states as well as internationally in Ecuador and Kosovo. He is the author of thirteen publications and has been a key voice in disability policy, training, and education. His work was recently featured in The New York Times.
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