In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), innovation, and accessibility necessitates both critical inquiry and intentional action. The proposed Special Thematic Session (STS) for ICCHP 2026, organised by the Equitable AI Alliance, seeks to examine how AI-driven innovation can—and must—be designed, deployed, and governed to enhance accessibility and promote equity for individuals with disabilities.
The session addresses a timely and consequential juncture: AI and autonomous systems are increasingly central to the evolution of assistive technologies (AT). This intersection offers immense promise, from adaptive user interfaces and intelligent assistive devices to multimodal input systems and predictive user support. However, this promise is accompanied by profound challenges, including algorithmic bias, opaque model decision-making, exclusionary training datasets, and privacy vulnerabilities, especially for users at heightened risk. Moreover, there is a growing concern that market-driven innovation may prioritise affluent populations, thereby undermining global accessibility objectives.
Emerging research is beginning to highlight inclusive strategies, including open-source AI models, disability-specific bias-mitigation frameworks, and human-centred design methodologies. In this context, the STS will explore three interrelated thematic areas:
1. Emerging AI-Enabled Accessibility Innovations
This strand invites empirical and technical contributions that demonstrate the application of AI in advancing assistive and accessible technologies. Topics of interest include adaptive user interfaces, smart wearables, AI-enhanced mobility tools (e.g., computer vision or haptics), and machine-learning-informed augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems.
2. Equity, Ethics, and Governance in Accessible AI
This strand investigates the social and policy dimensions of AI, with particular attention to how innovation can perpetuate or mitigate exclusion. Relevant topics include algorithmic bias against people with disabilities, the accessibility of AI systems, inclusive dataset development, and regulatory and policy frameworks. Papers are encouraged to examine mechanisms for ethical oversight and equitable governance.
3. Scaling, Sustainability, and Inclusive Innovation Ecosystems
The third strand focuses on transitioning beyond pilot projects towards long-term impact and inclusive scalability. Contributions may explore sustainable business models for accessible AI participatory co-design processes, multi-stakeholder collaborations, and models for implementing accessible solutions in low-resource and underrepresented regions.
The STS goal is to generate actionable insights into how AI can be mobilised to advance accessibility goals while addressing ethical, social, and contextual complexities, serving as a catalyst for engagement and practical collaboration. By situating accessibility at the heart of AI innovation, the STS aspires to advance a more equitable, participatory, and sustainable technological landscape. The STS invites to present R&D and studies at all levels (theoretical, technical/engineering, practical/examples, empirical, ethical, socio-political) and to bring it into discussion in the community of accessibility experts.
Chair
David Banes, David Banes Access and Inclusion Services
Klaus Höckner, Hilfsgemeinschaft der Blinden und Sehschwachen Österreichs