5 AI-Powered Assistive Technologies for People with Disabilities

in US

In the United States, accessibility remains a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities. According to the CDC, 27% of adults have a disability, and the World Health Organization estimates that 1.3 billion people globally experience significant disability. 

Despite this, a staggering 95.9% of the top 1 million websites fail to comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), highlighting the digital divide. However, advancements in AI-powered assistive technologies are making strides in bridging this gap, offering innovative solutions to enhance accessibility and independence. These technologies leverage AI to provide real-time support, adaptive interfaces, and personalized assistance, transforming the lives of people with various disabilities. 

Here are five leading AI-powered assistive technologies making a significant impact:

Voiceitt: Revolutionizing Accessibility Through AI

Voiceitt was co-founded by Danny Weissberg and Sara Smolley. The startup’s mission is to help people with speech disabilities and aging adults live more connected, independent lives through cutting-edge voice technology. The inspiration behind Voiceitt came from the personal experiences of the founders, who had family members with speech impairments due to conditions like Parkinson’s disease and stroke. Voiceitt has developed patented automatic speech recognition (ASR) technology specifically designed for people with non-standard speech, including those with speech disabilities, aging voices, and accents. The AI-powered system can learn and adapt to unique speech patterns, enabling more accessible voice control and dictation.


Cognixion: Pioneering Assisted Reality for Enhanced Communication

Cognixion, founded by Andreas Forsland, is a pioneering company in AI-powered assistive technology, focusing on brain-computer interfaces (BCI) and augmented reality (AR). Their flagship product, Cognixion ONE, is a non-invasive “Assisted Reality” device that combines AI, AR, and EEG technology to help individuals with severe motor impairments communicate and interact more effectively. The headset uses brainwave detection to interpret user intentions, allowing for hands-free, voice-free control of AR applications. Cognixion ONE supports various input methods, including direct BCI, eye tracking, head tracking, and switch control, making it versatile for users with different disabilities. The device has received FDA Breakthrough Device designation, highlighting its potential to transform the lives of individuals with conditions like ALS, cerebral palsy, and traumatic injuries. Cognixion’s technology aims to provide a new level of independence and autonomy, enabling users to communicate and control smart devices through intuitive, adaptive interfaces.

Inclusive Brains: Advancing Inclusion Through Neurotechnology

Inclusive Brains, founded by neuroscientist Olivier Oullier and AI expert Paul Barbaste, leverages generative AI and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to improve inclusion for people with mobility disabilities. Their flagship technology, Prometheus, translates neurophysiological data—such as brainwaves, facial expressions, and eye movements—into digital commands, enabling users to operate computers, navigate digital environments, and control devices without using their hands or voice. This non-invasive, hardware-agnostic system aims to provide greater autonomy and facilitate access to education and employment for individuals who have lost mobility due to accidents or neurodegenerative diseases. Inclusive Brains’ mission is to create inclusive solutions that cater to each individual’s unique needs, enhancing their ability to communicate and interact with the world.

Ava: Enhancing Communication for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Ava is an AI-powered mobile app founded by Thibault Duchemin designed to provide real-time transcriptions and captioning for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing (HoH). The app uses advanced speech recognition technology to transcribe voice to text with high accuracy, making it easier for users to follow conversations in various settings such as classrooms, business meetings, doctor’s appointments, and social events. Ava offers features like speaker identification, color-coded transcripts, and support for multiple languages, enhancing group communication and inclusivity. The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms and integrates seamlessly with video conferencing tools like Zoom and Google Meet. Ava’s mission is to make communication more accessible and inclusive, ensuring that users can participate fully in conversations and activities.

Parrots Inc. : Empowering Independence Through AI

Founded by former NASA engineer David Hojah, Parrots Inc. has developed an AI-powered device named Polly to assist people with disabilities. Polly is designed to fit onto a wheelchair and uses AI and machine learning to provide real-time voice assistance, cognitive support, and telecare solutions. The device offers a 360-degree view of the surroundings and integrates with existing technologies like Alexa, joysticks, and eye-tracking controls. Polly can learn and anticipate a user’s needs, such as adjusting the thermostat based on perceived comfort, and can communicate on behalf of users in emergencies. The system is hardware-agnostic and can be used with tablets or other devices. Parrots Inc. aims to make assistive technology more accessible and affordable, enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with neurological disorders and mobility challenges.

These companies exemplify the transformative impact of AI on assistive technologies, making the digital world more inclusive for everyone.