Imagine stretching a rubber band between two points: one representing technological advancement and the other social inclusion. As technology advances rapidly, the gap between those with access and those without widens. If efforts to include underrepresented groups do not keep pace, the tension increases, risking a critical failure in inclusion and equity.
The historical delays in accessibility for the Deaf community exemplify this effect, with delays spanning decades. For example:
Telephone and TTY
1876: The telephone was invented.
1964: Almost 90 years later, the first practical TTY for the Deaf was developed by Robert Weitbrecht, allowing typed messages via telephone lines.
Automobiles and Driving Restrictions
1886: The modern automobile was invented.
1970s-1980s: Research and advocacy demonstrated Deaf drivers were as safe as hearing drivers, leading to the lifting of many driving bans and restrictions.
Television and Closed Captioning
1927: The television was invented.
1972: The first open captioned program aired on PBS. In 1980, closed captioning technology was introduced.
AI Tools
2000s: Development of AI tools such as speech-to-text and text-to-speech. 2024: Where are we now? View the comments for current solutions for the Deaf community.
If we fail to democratize access to AI tools, the consequences for the Deaf community can be severe:
- Widening Inequality: Without access, those left behind will face exacerbated inequalities.
- Missed Opportunities: Lack of accessible AI tools prevents full participation and contribution to advancements.
As AI advances rapidly, it is crucial to prioritize democratizing access to prevent the rubber band from snapping. By designing inclusive technologies and removing barriers, we can create a future where technology serves as a great equalizer. The sooner everyone benefits from technological progress, the better our society’s integrity and inclusivity will be maintained.
To prevent history from repeating itself, it is crucial to advocate for policies and practices that ensure the rubber band doesn't snap. This includes:
Democratizing access to AI tools.
Ensuring mainstream platforms integrate accessibility features.
Promoting inclusive design from the outset.
We cannot just worry about preventing the rubber band from snapping. When a rubber band is stretched wide beyond its limits, it becomes loose. Missed opportunities set us back, continuing the cycle that underrepresented communities grapple with yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
We must do better—all of us.
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