Researchers’ Toolbox for the Future: Understanding and Designing Accessible and Inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AIAI)

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) is integrated into all things technical, there is a valid concern over its lack of diversity, inclusiveness, and accessibility. Further, questions such as what it means for AI to be accessible and inclusive, why is inclusive AI required, and how can it be achieved, is an emerging area of research. In this two-part workshop, we will explore the nuanced challenges towards Accessible and Inclusive AI together with participants with diverse backgrounds. First, we will collaboratively define Accessible and Inclusive AI (AIAI), building on the diverse experiences of the participants and moderators. The goal is to contribute to the formulation of a shared vision for Accessibility and AI as well as identify the challenges and opportunities towards realizing this vision. Working in small teams, participants will collaboratively conceptually design a future scenario for AIAI or critically analyse an example solution. The aim is for teams to tackle tough questions related to what it means for AI to be accessible and inclusive, while addressing algorithmic biases and limitations of AI, in addition to opportunities for overcoming them in the future. Finally, teams will present their conceptual designs and scenarios in the larger group. Overall, the workshop will ignite innovative, and even provocative, ideas and future scenarios, building towards an inclusive and accessible AI.