The Way We Want to Work with AI: Empowering Care and Connection
New technology is constantly reshaping how we spend our time. Right now, the world of "work" is on the cusp of a generational shift, especially when it comes to tasks that demand our focused attention. The catalyst? A cognitive intelligence tool most of us simply call "AI."
I've had countless conversations about this, and one thing is clear: this transformation is undeniable. The technology is accessible to everyone, remarkably user-friendly, and often free to get started with. So, the logical step is to simply begin.
Looking back to November 2024, about one-third of the attendees at my talks had already dabbled with AI. Fast forward to April 2025, and that number has jumped to two-thirds. I wouldn't be surprised to see it hit 80% by the year's end, especially as we introduce people through engaging and fun applications like Ghibli-fication or popular 'starter pack' trends.
So, what comes next?
My work with UNAPEI, a powerful network of 900,000 individuals within 330 organizations dedicated to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), involves encouraging their teams to explore the potential of AI tools firsthand.
Herein lies a significant challenge. Managing resources with public funding to provide the best possible care is a delicate balancing act. As the UNAPEI work highlights, intellectual and developmental disabilities encompass a wide spectrum of conditions, each requiring individualized support. This makes efficient resource allocation even more critical.
The path to improvement is clear: focus resources where they generate the most significant impact. And where does that impact truly lie? In the direct care and support provided by dedicated individuals.
This brings us to the undeniable value of AI tools. Anything that can be effectively handled by AI, tasks that fall outside the realm of crucial human interaction and empathy, should be handled by AI.
But how do we make this happen?
This is where the often-underestimated art and science of change management come into play. The familiar refrain echoes: "We've always done it this way. Why change for yet another newfangled thing?"
To truly embrace change requires igniting an internal desire for improvement. It means fostering a collective urge to enhance the lives of everyone involved, allowing them to find a better balance and amplify their impact.
The process itself remains straightforward: try, test, learn, and chart a clear course forward.
It's truly inspiring to witness the individuals within organizations like UNAPEI, whose core mission is to help others, now turning to AI with a genuine openness to change. This network, born from the advocacy of parents in 1960, has a long history of driving progress for people with IDD. Their continued commitment to finding innovative solutions, now including AI, is a testament to their dedication.
Globally, the need for such innovation is immense. An-AI-aided research report that I worked on shows an estimated 15-16% of the world's population experiences significant disabilities, a number that is growing. Moreover, the demand for support services is increasing due to factors like an aging population and a global movement towards community-based living. Yet, resources often remain constrained.
This is where the potential of AI becomes particularly compelling. Imagine AI assisting with administrative tasks, streamlining communication, or even helping to create more accessible information, as seen in UNAPEI's Cap'FALC project with Inria and FAIR, which aims to produce Easy to Read and Understand content. By automating tasks that don't require human empathy, AI can free up the precious time of caregivers, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: providing person-centered care.
More infos with this detailed research report on how AI can help people with disabilities: AI for Disability Support
The potential of AI in disability support extends beyond administrative efficiency. It can enhance accessibility through text-to-speech, real-time translation, and personalized learning tools. These technologies don't replace human care but amplify it, allowing support workers to provide more individualized attention where it matters most.
However, successful AI adoption requires careful navigation. Effective change management strategies are crucial. This includes strong leadership, clear communication, empowering employees, providing comprehensive training, and addressing concerns proactively. It's about demonstrating the tangible benefits of AI and building confidence among those who will be using it.
My experience giving talks on AI and guiding organizations through AI adoption underscores these points. It's not enough to simply present the technology; it's about connecting it to the human element, showing how it can alleviate burdens and enhance the ability to care. It's about fostering a sense of ownership and excitement for the possibilities.
It's remarkable to see that people driven by a genuine desire to help others, like the dedicated staff at UNAPEI, are now viewing AI with an eye toward positive change. The movement is underway, and I feel privileged to contribute by sharing my time and insights with this inspiring community.
There's a profound satisfaction in being part of a shift that has the potential to impact millions of lives, driven not by profit, but by a deep commitment to the well-being and happiness of everyone. The journey of integrating AI into disability support is just beginning, and with thoughtful implementation and a focus on human connection, its potential to create a more inclusive and supportive world is immense.