How Machine Learning Can Assist Disabled People

Recent expansions in artificial intelligence have led to the development of smart devices which help people overcome cognitive and physical challenges. Technology, in general, has been opening doors for the disabled consistently. They take all kinds of forms. From AI powered hearing aids, like those developed by AI startup Halfcode to automated wheelchairs, inventions have been coming along from time to time. Now, using deep reinforcement learning, science can supercharge the abilities of machinery with much more functionalities. With around a billion disabled people across the globe, each year, plenty of work is yet to be done. Machine learning has started off already!

Using a concept known as Inclusive Design, new products can be designed for different types of abilities. From the data-driven algorithms, scientists can carry out decisions which are more accurate for the situation of each disabled individual. If a patient is suffering from hearing impairment, machine learning can help doctors by offering deep reinforcement learning which provides recommendations for best solutions.

Now that all related data can be collected and processed using respective algorithm analysis, disabled individuals can be allocated work near their residence, which makes traveling and working more convenient for them.

Language processing softwares, developed using various algorithms, can help in simplifying content for students with intellectual or cognitive disabilities such as dyslexia, dementia, and autism. These tools basically clarify the written content by replacing phrases with plainer terms or trimming lengthy sentences.

Similarly, there are apps for deaf individuals where they are allowed to hold group conversation in multiple languages. These apps convert text to speech in real-time and help individuals communicate very conveniently. Similarly, machine learning based apps for speech impediments, are built to pick up speech patterns of speakers and recognize mispronunciations, if any. These apps then normalize the speech before creating output.

Dyslexia, a learning disability, is difficult to diagnose initially so using machine learning algorithms, it becomes easier to classify and diagnose dyslexic individuals. The machine learning classification system is based on data obtained from children scores obtained from special tests. A threshold is defined for this test which acts as an indicator between non-dyslexic and dyslexic children. Through such pre-screening applications, it becomes easier for both families and patients to learn in several manners.

Image recognition and alternate text for the weak sighted individuals is another great accessibility tool. People with weaker eyesight tend to miss out on important information. Thus Google uses vision API to offer alternative text for images using neural networks which classify images and extract the textual information in it.

It is understood that the internet is full of ever-growing information which makes it difficult to distill this information. Using machine learning algorithms, Google is now able to extract headlines and short abstracts out of lengthy articles, which makes it easier for the disabled as well as ordinary individuals to skim through relevant material.

Growing at an exponential rate, machine learning has become one of the most wanted domains due to its miraculous advantages. Until now, we couldn’t have imagined utilizing all the vast amounts of data to our use for more accurate predictions. But now, accurate data-driven decision making is helping disabled individuals and stepping up their lifestyles.