Programme

Hybrid Public Hearing on "Potential and challenges of Assistive Technology and Artificial Intelligence on the life of persons with disabilities"

Via Interactio, online platform, EESC, VMA22, Thursday, 14 March 2024 from 9:30 a.m. to 01:00 p.m.

The EESC's Permanent Group on disability Rights is organising a hybrid public hearing on " Potential and challenges of Assistive Technology and Artificial intelligence on the life of PWD " on 14 March 2024 from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Assistive technology (AT) is defined as any product that improves the lives of individuals who otherwise may not be able to complete tasks without specialized equipment. When implemented effectively, assistive technology can improve accessibility and quality of life for all. Artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance the effectiveness of AT in a number of fields, namely in communication, education, in the health sector and in mobility. However, it is important that AI is developed safely with accessibility and inclusion in mind.

During the hearing, we will discuss with stakeholders the potential but also challenges associated with the use of assistive technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the life of PWDs.

09.00 a.m. - 09.30 a.m. | Testing connections

09.30 a.m. - 09.40 a.m. | Welcome and introduction

• Marie Zvolská, member of the EESC Permanent Group on Disability rights (PG DIS)

09.40 a.m. - 12.40 p.m. | Panel discussion

Moderator: Member of the EESC Permanent Group on Disability rights (PG DIS)

• Olivier Da Costa, Robotics and Artificial Innovati0n and Excellence unit, DG CONNECT, European Commission
• Brando Benifei, Member of the European Parliament
• Chloé Touzet, independent consultant, author of OECD Report on the opportunities and challenges on  using AI to support people with disability on the labour market
• Carlos Duarte, Informatic Professor, Lisbon University

Coffee break for 20 minutes

• Kave Noori, Artificial Intelligence Policy Officer, European Disability Forum
• Laura Lazaro Cabrera, Europe's Counsel and Director of the Equity and Data programme, Centre for Democracy and Technology
• Bhatnagar Tigmanshu, Global Disability Innovation Hub, University College London (UCL)
• Jakob Rosin, Chairman of the Estonian Blind Union

Q&A

12.15 p.m. - 01.00 p.m. | Closing remarks

• Marie Zvolská, member of the EESC Permanent Group on Disability rights (PG DIS)

Interpretation requested from French, English, Italian, Czech, Lithuanian, Polish and Slovak into French, English, Italian and Polish.

Sign language available