Over the past couple of years, artificial intelligence has entered the mainstream. It is receiving increased funding and attention from government and private development sources. In the world of assistive technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is proving to have significant potential to improve the lives of the disabled population.

What Is Assistive Technology?

Assistive technology (AT) is technology that supports the needs of individuals with various impairments, including physical, sensory, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, helping to enhance quality of life and independence. Assistive technology includes everything from wheelchairs to hearing aids, screen magnifiers to prosthetic limbs.

How Artificial Intelligence Is Improving Assistive Technology

AI has great promise in improving the effectiveness of assistive technology. Some areas in which it is already enhancing the user experience are:

1. AI can analyze data and readily learn from user interactions to personalize assistive technology devices for individual users, which leads to more adaptive and accurate solutions, catering to a person’s preferences.
2. Speech and Language Recognition. Speech recognition, improved semantic accuracy, and converting speech into text are all increasingly possible and available due to AI.
3. Eye-Tracking Technology. Eye-tracking technology allows an individual to control computers and other devices with eye movements. For those who can’t use their hands to control devices, this can improve the ease with which they can access information.
4. Sensors and cameras that integrate AI are helping to detect the user’s intentions and movements, making limb control more natural and accurate.
5. Data Analytics and Insights. AI processes large amounts of data generated by assistive technology devices, allowing researchers to improve future iterations of these technologies more quickly than through traditional analysis.

Role of the Special Needs Planning Attorney

Special needs planning attorneys can play a crucial role in helping individuals with disabilities access disability benefits, including those related to assistive technology. Special needs planning attorneys can provide:

1. Knowledge of Available Resources. Attorneys in this area of law are knowledgeable about available resources and programs for people with disabilities.
2. Assistance Applying for Benefits. A special needs planning lawyer can help assess your situation and identify the programs for which you are eligible, as well as to help you complete an application for benefits.
3. Advocacy, Negotiation, and Complex Cases. Special needs planning attorneys can work with government agencies, insurers, and other relevant parties to advocate on behalf of their client. Complex cases can bring unique challenges that often require extensive documentation and expert opinions. A special needs planning lawyer can gather and present this kind of information to support a claim.

If you would like to speak with an experienced special needs planning attorney regarding your situation or have questions about something you have read, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 1 (800) 680-1717. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.