Dr. Emer Begley:

I will speak about the issue of digital literacy. One of the things we found from talking to our members is the lack of awareness around both the potential and risks of AI. Some are very informed if they are in the space and others are not. There is something about public awareness for the disability community about the potential of AI and also the risks it holds, and supporting people to make informed decisions around their use of AI.

That information needs to be accessible. We are seeing with the accessibility Act that there is no one-stop place for people to go for information on the issue. The same potentially applies in respect of AI. Where can people go to get training or basic information? Where can they find out what AI is available to support their independent living and participation and to inform them of the risks and allow them to make informed decisions? That is for people across disabilities, including those with neurodiversity, intellectual disabilities or physical and sensory disabilities. In other jurisdictions, there are central places for training and awareness raising around AI. We do not currently have that in Ireland, as far as I am aware.