Robin Troutman, CMP’s Post

This is directly relevant to what I mentioned in my company’s Community Service Committee meeting last week in mid-December 2024. During our discussion of potential ESG events, I suggested that promoting the use of AI for disability communities could be one of those initiatives. AI technologies can empower people with disabilities, providing them with more job opportunities and recreational activities. This could contribute to a more inclusive future for our society. #ESG #AI

NVIDIA AI holds incredible promise in fostering inclusivity, particularly in special education. It's crucial to prioritize the voices of those with disabilities in the development and deployment of AI solutions to ensure meaningful, impactful advancements. 👍

AI's Role in Advancing Special Education and Disability Inclusion In a recent survey conducted by the Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education, it was revealed that while many students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their parents see Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a promising tool, only 35% of educators feel that current AI developers are considering the unique needs and priorities of these students. This finding underscores a significant gap in the integration of AI technology into educational frameworks that cater to students with disabilities. On the NVIDIA AI Podcast, a significant discussion unfolded between Sara Minkara, the U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights at […] https://lnkd.in/d2_XZhmV https://lnkd.in/dH2KHJju

Today, May 15, 2024, the U.S. Access Board signed an MOU with the American Association of People with Disabilities and the Center for Democracy & Technology. The goal: to ensure the disability community is part of conversations around AI and have access to AI-related education and resources. To achieve this, the focus will be on: 🤝 Promoting solidarity, relationship-building, and information sharing across disability and technology communities intentionally, through specific opportunities to connect. 💡 Mapping potential or existing civil rights concerns, accessibility barriers, and risks stemming from AI and identify solutions to combat them. 📣 Offer information, technical assistance, and resources that will bolster efforts by the disability and technology communities to promote and create safe, equitable, accessible AI. #AI #disability #technology #accessibility https://lnkd.in/eRbb7Gps

🌟 The disability community has been navigating the complexities of ""helpful"" technologies for years, providing invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. These experiences highlight important lessons for us all as we integrate AI into our daily lives. ✨ Read more about the intersection of technology and the disability community in this insightful article: [Disability Community Has Long Wrestled with ‘Helpful’ Technologies – Lessons for Everyone in Dealing with AI](https://buff.ly/46JMeZp) #DisabilityAdvocacy #AI #Inclusion #TechnologyForAll

🚨 Was thrilled to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities yesterday with a new NVIDIA AI #podcast. 🎙️ U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State Sara Minkara and Timothy Shriver, chairman of the board of Special Olympics, joined me to discuss AI’s potential to enhance inclusive education and disability inclusion. 🤖 Sara and Tim share notes from the recent G7 ministerial meeting on inclusion and disability, and talk about why it's vital to include the voices from disability communities in AI development and policy conversations. 🎧 Read the blog post and listen to the podcast. Links in comments. #IDPWD #AIforGood

🌍 Disability Inclusion in Tech: Beyond Just a Label It’s encouraging to see tech companies promoting their commitment to disability inclusion, but true inclusion goes beyond the policies. For those of us with invisible disabilities, having to explain ourselves repeatedly can be exhausting, especially when there’s an assumption that disability only “looks” a certain way. Managers and leaders, the learning journey doesn’t stop with a policy—it’s a continuous commitment to understanding. Take the time to educate yourselves on the range of disabilities and individual experiences. Familiarize yourself with specific challenges and accommodations that create a truly supportive environment. Disabled individuals bring unique perspectives and skills to their work and team. For example, many autistic individuals offer remarkable focus, attention to detail, and pattern recognition, often seeing connections others might miss. These strengths aren’t just “nice to have”—they drive innovation and enrich team dynamics. Let’s take action together: if you’re a leader, start a conversation with your team to learn more about their needs. Invest in ongoing education, and make it known that support is available without assumptions. Let’s create a tech world where everyone—visible or not—feels valued, included, and empowered to do their best work. Are you just checking the box, or are you making an effort to learn the value of someone who comes to you for guidance? #DisabilityInclusion #InvisibleDisabilities #Neurodiversity #TechIndustry #InclusionAndDiversity #Leadership #CallToAction

International Day for People with Disabilities promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. As a member of our DiversAbility Employee Network, I celebrate IDPD by championing disability inclusion and technology solutions for neurodivergent workers. Neurodivergence includes Autism Spectrum, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Dyspraxia. Did you know 15-20% of the workforce is neurodivergent, yet 85% of autistic adults with a college education are unemployed? Businesses that include neurodivergence in their DEIB strategy see benefits like 92% higher productivity and 48% faster performance. Neurodivergent workers are also 2x more likely to achieve financial targets. Microsoft tools like Viva Learning, Viva Engage, Viva Insights, and Copilot for M365 enable neurodivergent workers and foster a sense of belonging. And it all starts with disclosure. I challenge those who can self-identify as a person with a disability to do so. Representation matters and getting the concessions you need starts with disclosing your neurodivergence. I'm proud to work for Avanade North America, recognized on the 2024 Disability Equality Index® and named a Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion by Disability:IN. Together, we commit to making our world more inclusive and accessible for the one billion people worldwide with disabilities. #IDPD2024 #AvanadeDoWhatMatters #LifeAtAvanade #WorkAtAvanade #DisabilityInclusion #Neurodiversity #DEIB #InclusionMatters #AccessibilityForAll