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Contribution of artificial intelligence research to the development of inclusive applications for people with disabilities: A scoping review (2015–2025)

Author summary People with disabilities (PWD) are frequently underrepresented in the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, which can limit the accessibility, usability, and equity of these technologies, and result failing to address their diverse needs and lived experiences. It is therefore essential to evaluate the extent to which PWD are meaningfully involved across all stages of AI development and research. In this scoping review, we examined their roles…

By the Truvace desk1 min read1 sourceJournalismTRV-2026-1466· cite & verify
Contribution of artificial intelligence research to the development of inclusive applications for people with disabilities: A scoping review (2015–2025)

In brief

A scoping review covering 2015 to 2025 looked at how healthcare AI research contributes to inclusive, accessible technologies for people with disabilities. It identified studies on many disabilities and AI uses, including predictive models, assistive technologies, early screening tools and decision-support systems.

The findings matter because disabled people make up 16% of the global population, yet the review describes them as disproportionately excluded from AI advances in healthcare. Recognition of inclusive development is growing, but participation and accessibility are handled unevenly, and the supplied excerpt cuts off before further detail.

Main points

  1. The review examined the roles of people with disabilities from multiple perspectives across AI development and research.
  2. Studies covered a wide range of disabilities and AI applications, including predictive models and assistive technologies.
  3. Early screening tools and decision-support systems were among the applications identified.
  4. The authors report growing recognition of inclusive AI development.
  5. Meaningful participation, accessibility, transparency and context-sensitive implementation are described as inconsistently addressed.

The problem

People with disabilities are often underrepresented across the design, development and evaluation of healthcare AI, which can limit accessibility, usability and equity.

The rundown

The authors frame the question as whether people with disabilities are meaningfully involved at every stage of AI development and research, from design through evaluation. Underrepresentation is said to limit accessibility, usability and equity, and to leave their diverse needs and lived experiences unaddressed.

The review focuses on healthcare AI research and its contribution to inclusive and accessible technologies. It reports gaps in the current literature and offers recommendations toward more equitable, accessible and person-centered AI systems for people with disabilities.

Sources

  1. JournalismPLOS (Public Library of Science)2026-10-15

The debate